Spot scams and stay secure
Scammers may impersonate BC Hydro through door-to-door visits, text messages, emails, phone calls, or fake websites. Learn how to spot a scam, protect your information, and report suspicious activities.
Common scam types
If you receive an unexpected phone call, text, email, social media message, or home visit claiming to be from BC Hydro, do not respond or provide any personal information. Instead, contact us to verify before proceeding.
Phone call
Caller ID can be changed (or “spoofed”) to appear as BC Hydro. When you receive an unexpected call, hang up and contact us to confirm. We never collect banking or credit card information over the phone.
Text
We never send billing, usage, refund, or disconnection notices by text message to residential customers. Fake BC Hydro or Interac notification messages may claim your bill is overdue, offer a refund, or threaten disconnection.
Email and web
Be cautious of suspicious or unexpected emails containing links or files. To identify a phishing email or fake website, check the sender’s address. Legitimate BC Hydro emails will come from notifications@bchydro.com, and the website’s URL address should be bchydro.com. Always be cautious of unexpected emails, links, attachments, or websites asking you to sign in, make a payment, or provide personal information.
Social media
Our verified social media accounts are linked at the bottom of this page. Don’t engage with unverified accounts claiming to be from BC Hydro.
Door-to-door
Never allow unexpected visits without prior notice. If someone visits your home claiming to represent BC Hydro, ask for identification and contact us to confirm their identity before taking any action.
Payments
We don’t accept payments using gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or cash. We also don’t send or collect money through Interac e-Transfer, except for a few specific rebate payments. BC Hydro rebate notifications are sent by email only, never by text message.
How to stay safe
BC Hydro will never request payment using gift cards or prepaid cards and will only contact you through official communication channels. If you're ever unsure about whether communication from us is legitimate, don't click any links or open any files sent to you. Instead, contact us to verify before proceeding.
When you need to check your account balance, billing information, or rebate status, the safest way is to log in to MyHydro or contact us.
To learn more about protecting yourself, visit Get Cyber Safe or get more details on the latest scams.
Report scams or fraud
Report any fraudulent texts or emails you receive to your local police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.