BC Hydro says their customers were swindled out of nearly 45 thousand dollars last year, the most scam-ridden period since they began gaining momentum in 2014.

They’ve had nearly 6,000 complaints since then, with over 2,000 made last year.

“While these numbers are significant, they likely underrepresent the scale of the problem as it is believed most attempted and successful scams are not reported,” said Spokesperson Mora Scott.

Vancouver, Nanaimo, Surrey, Vernon, Burnaby and Richmond the most targeted communities, but the scams have been province-wide.

According to Scott, these fraudsters target both residents and businesses.

“They’ll call restaurant owners or managers right before their busy period and basically threaten immediate disconnection if the payment isn’t received within an hour,” she added. “A lot of times the red flags that you would normally realize don’t pop up for these restaurant owners or managers because they are so worried about losing that business.”

Victims were contacted by phone, email or text and told that their electricity would be cut off if they don’t pay using either prepaid cash or credit card, or through a bitcoin ATM.

BC Hydro is reminding customers that they don’t accept bitcoin or prepaid cash or credit cards.

They also say they send notices by mail and automated telephone messages if an account is in arrears.

If you think you’re being scammed, you’re urged to report it to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 888 495 8501.