Look out for scammers impersonating HECO

marketing14560
5 minutes ago
2 min read

Happy Friday

The scammers are at it again, this time targeting local businesses by impersonating Hawaiian Electric Co. and threatening to disconnect service unless “payment” is made. Despicable.

How the scam works

The scammers are calling local businesses from an (808) number and threatening to disconnect power unless an immediate payment is made. They're targeting high usage commercial customers and a handful have already reportedly paid the scammers thousands in cash, using local drugstores as middle men to wire money to criminals.

The Takeaway

It can be easy to be caught off-guard by scammers. After all, they have extensive experience in manipulating people. Now armed with AI, it's easy for these criminals to impersonate voices, adapt quickly to what you say and use even more inventive ways to bait you into falling into their traps.

There is a big red flag though, and that's how they're going to ask you to pay. To see HECO's acceptable payment options, go to hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions. And here are Hawaiian Electric's publicized tips to not being scammed by an imposter:

If a caller says your account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
If someone from ‘Hawaiian Electric’ contacts you and demands immediate payment via gift cards, money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin, it’s a scam.
If the caller asks to meet you in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.
If you receive an email urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment, or scan a QR code, to pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.
If someone shows up at your home or place of business claiming to be from Hawaiian Electric, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call customer service at (808) 548-7311.

If you or someone you know may have been a victim, go to hawaiianelectric.com/reportfraud. And by the way, these tactics return every so often, where scammers target utility companies, threatening to shut off service unless payment is made right away. So keep a look out, this won't be the last time.

Stay safe out there.

-Attila

New Friday Funnies!

Why did Kimo eat a light bulb?

He was hoping for a bright idea.

Why did Kylie plant a light bulb?

She was hoping it would grow into a power plant.

Where do light bulbs go to shop?

Outlet stores.

Why do electrical transformers hum?

Because they don't know the words.

I was going to tell a joke about electricity...