Text messages asking Tri-City residents to click on a link to get their $110 ICBC rebate cheque are fake.
The public auto insurer has posted a warning on its website to inform customers to be wary of the scam.
At least one Port Coquitlam resident is complaining after receiving the texts that apologized for the delay in sending the cheque and said the 'payment was made.'
"Heads up on new scam. Received the text today," the poster wrote on the Port Coquitlam Community Facebook page.
The text also provided a link that could be used to obtain personal information, possibly putting someone at risk of identity theft.
Posts on social media warning about ICBC rebate scam in Port Coquitlam
But people aren't falling for the ICBC text scam, and some are even warning people about it.
The texts first began surfacing in March, when the rebate was announced, and are circulating again now because ICBC said the rebates would be delivered starting in May with all rebates to be paid out by the end of July.
The ICBC message is as follows:
"PLEASE NOTE: ICBC will not issue any rebates to customers via text message or email. If you receive a text message asking you to click a link to receive your relief rebate, please delete the message — this is a scam."
Here's how and when you'll get your ICBC rebate cheque
- Starting in May, customers who have signed up for direct deposit with us will receive their rebate in their bank account. Customers can sign up for direct deposit on icbc.com or contact their Autoplan broker.
- Customers who have paid for their insurance with a credit card can expect to receive their rebate as a credit on their card between May and June.
- All other customers, including those who paid by debit, cash or payment plan will receive their rebate as a cheque starting in June.
- ICBC expects to have all cheques mailed to customers by the end of July.
- Regardless of the rebate payment method, all eligible customers will receive a letter confirming when their rebate is issued.
- Customers with leased vehicles will receive a cheque starting in June. Typically, the company that the vehicle is leased from must endorse the customer's refund cheque. However, ICBC will be contacting some leasing companies to obtain authorization to issue cheques directly to customers. In letters to customers, ICBC will outline whether they need the leasing company to endorse their cheque
Why are you getting a $110 ICBC rebate cheque
One-time rebates of $110 for personal drivers and $165 for commercial drivers started to be given out to drivers starting in May. In total, $395 million worth of rebates are being distributed.
Premier John Horgan said the “robust” financial position of ICBC, following the shift to no-fault insurance, has made the driver kick-back possible.
With record-breaking gas prices, the rebates are considered a way to offset the higher costs of transportation.
With a file from Colin Dacre / Castanet
