Hydro‑Québec released a public warning in June 2026 urging residents of Montreal to be vigilant against fraudulent emails that claim to be from the utility and request money. The utility said the messages are designed to appear official and to convince recipients to transfer funds to scammers.
The company reported a noticeable increase in the number of phishing emails that use the Hydro‑Québec name. These messages typically ask recipients to settle alleged bills, confirm account details, or make payments to a specified account. By mimicking the utility's branding and language, the scams aim to create a sense of urgency that prompts immediate action.
Hydro‑Québec emphasized that legitimate communications from the utility never ask customers to send money through unconventional methods or to unknown accounts. The organization advised anyone who receives such an email to verify its authenticity by contacting Hydro‑Québec through official channels, such as the phone number on a recent bill or the company's verified website.
The warning is part of a broader effort to protect consumers from financial loss. By alerting the public to the current surge in phishing attempts, Hydro‑Québec hopes to reduce the likelihood that individuals will fall victim to the scheme and inadvertently fund criminal activity.
Consumers are reminded to scrutinize email addresses, avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unexpected messages, and to report suspicious emails to Hydro‑Québec. The utility indicated it will continue monitoring the situation and will issue further advisories if the pattern of fraudulent activity persists.
Hydro‑Québec's proactive communication reflects its commitment to safeguarding customer information and financial security amid evolving online threats.