LIHUE The holidays are right around the corner, and Hawaii utilities are bracing for a spike in scam calls and phishing from thieves and scam artists posing as utility workers and bill collectors.
LIHUE — The holidays are right around the corner, and Hawaii utilities are bracing for a spike in scam calls and phishing from thieves and scam artists posing as utility workers and bill collectors.
As part of national Utility Scam Awareness Week, local utilities, police and consumer experts are warning customers to remain vigilant against scammers.
The Hawaiian Electric Companies, Hawaiian Telcom, Hawaii Gas, Board of Water Supply and Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, along with the state Office of Consumer Protection and Honolulu Police Department are working to combat scammers who target utility customers. Customers need to be alert and recognize scams, especially when criminals threaten to disconnect service unless a payment is made.
“Utility scammers can sound convincing on the phone and will say anything to trick consumers into making payments,” said Stephen Levins, executive director of the State of Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection. “To protect themselves, consumers should never wire money, purchase gift cards, or give out personal or financial information to anyone who initiates contact.”
Scammers are targeting customers who rely on vital services such as electricity, water, gas and telecommunications. Although there have been fewer reports of customers paying money to scammers, customers cannot let their guard down.
