Nanaimo Mounties are warning the public about phone calls being made to local businesses from a male claiming he works for B.C. Hydro.
On Wednesday, police spoke with three business owners who received calls from a man on an 800-number who identifies himself as Albert, says he works with B.C. Hydro and that the power to the business will be shut off in one hour.
Nothing is asked of the businesses and there are no overt threats other than shutting off the power.
The calls originate from the United States and police have confirmed the caller is not employed with B.C. Hydro.
One phone call was traced to a hotel in Virginia.
Anyone who receives a phone call of this kind, please report it to the Canadian anti-fraud centre at www.antifraudcentre-centrefraude.ca.