Hang up, it's a scam: Hawaiian Electric warns customers amid spike in fraudulent calls

Updated: Feb. 23, 2018 at 7:57 PM HST
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HAWAII (HawaiiNewsNow) - A recent surge in fraudulent calls has prompted Hawaiian Electric Company to help customers remember how to spot and stop a scam.

HECO says that if a customer receives a call from someone saying they're with Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric or Hawaii Electric and Light demanding payment over the phone — hang up, it's a scam.

HECO says the same is true for customers receiving calls threatening their power will be shut off without paying over the phone. Another sign of a scam is if a caller tries to arrange a pickup location for the money.

Friday, the electric company received dozens of fraud reports from customers on Oahu and the Big Island, according to a news release. Calls appear to be random, targeting both residential and commercial properties.

One business reported 10 scam calls in a short time window.

Hawaiian Electric Companies warn customers to be aware that scammers have become more aggressive and persistent, demanding money even when customers know they have paid.

HECO advises that if customers suspect foul play of any sort, they should hang up — it's probably a scam.

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