A Manitoba Hydro spokesperson says they have been hearing reports from residential customers of people falsely claiming to be affiliated with the utility.

Scott Powell says these individuals will knock on doors and insist on checking furnaces inside the home.

"We've had a number of calls from customers saying they've had visitors, very high pressure sales tactics come in," says Powell.

He notes these individuals are saying they need to look at the furnace and do an inspection.

"They then do an inspection and they offer to rent the homeowner a new furnace for zero per cent financing and suggest that it could be added to their Manitoba Hydro bill," he says.

Powell says Manitoba Hydro is not involved in such a program and he advises homeowners to deny entry.

While Hydro employees do go door-to-door periodically for various reasons, they always carry an official identification card with their name and photo. Powell says if someone asks to enter your home claiming to be with Manitoba Hydro, ask for their name and to see their ID card.

Powell says if you have any doubts about someone who claims to represent or be affiliated with Manitoba Hydro, ask for the name of the person and business and contact Manitoba Hydro at 1-888-624-9376 before allowing the individual into your home.
    
If you believe you have encountered or been a victim of fraudulent solicitation, contact the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-782-0067, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or make a report to your local police department.