Smart Meter Scam

Cariboocoot
Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
in Solar Skeptics, Hype, & Scams Corner #1
No, not the typical "they'll save you money" hype promoted by the utilities. This one is pure scam.

My wife took a phone call from someone claiming to represent BC Hydro saying that she could save a lot of money on her electric bill if she agreed to purchase a smart meter now, and all they needed was her credit card info. She asked for the info in writing, but of course you had to "act now!"

For anyone who has just landed on Earth from the distant reaches of galaxy, if BC Hydro wants you to have a smart meter they come and put it in. If they want to charge you, they add it on the bill. They have no need for your credit card info, will always supply printed copy of anything you ask about, and never require you to make instant decisions on anything. They're a pretty good company, over-all (with occasional bouts of bureaucratic stupidity).

The grain of truth the scam is built on is the press release that states BC Hydro will be installing smart meters over the next few years and they do claim to save (the utility) money.

She called the real BC Hydro, btw, and reported it.

It would have been funnier if she'd been at the cabin. :p
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Comments

  • solar_dave
    solar_dave Solar Expert Posts: 2,397 ✭✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Smart Meter Scam

    Do you have caller ID? Offer that data as well to BC Hydro.
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #3
    Re: Smart Meter Scam
    solar_dave wrote: »
    Do you have caller ID? Offer that data as well to BC Hydro.

    Yes, she gave them the number and everything else she could glean from them.
    She's pretty sharp, even if she did marry me. :p
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  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Smart Meter Scam

    Here in Nova Scotia the latest power scam is a device that you plug into an outlet close to the main entrance panel. Promises to cut your bill by 1/3. All you have to do is give the caller your credit card # over the phone. By the way, the device never arrives, because it doesn't exist. But now the criminals have your card #.
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