A recent phone scam targeting local residents is claiming to be Manitoba Hydro and asking for payment in cash or Bitcoin.

Police have been advised of fraudulent activity involving unknown parties representing themselves as employees of Manitoba Hydro. In these calls, people are requested to provide personal information related to their Hydro accounts and are then asked to provide payment, in some cases, via Bitcoin, or to visit a different location with large amounts of cash.

Manitoba Hydro has requested that anyone experiencing this situation contact them online to complete a report. You may also contact Manitoba Hydro at 204-480-5900 and their staff will assist you in completing this form.

Once the report has been completed, Manitoba Hydro will enter the call into a secure database. There is no need to then contact Police.

Police suggest that if a situation appears suspicious to hang up immediately, call police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.