On Wednesday, in conjunction with National Scam Awareness Day, Hawaiian Electric warned the public about scammers targeting unsuspecting customers.

What You Need To Know

  • HECO said the “late payment” scam is the most prevalent: Scammers threaten disconnection unless payment is made immediately via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency

  • However, HECO received seven reports over the summer from customers about a new type of scam: Scammers claimed to be from HECO, provided a “work order” number, and instructed the customer to contact a “field technician” using an 800 number. Once the number is called, the scammers demand payment for a repair and threaten to disconnect power

  • HECO said they have noticed a trend of scammers using real estate ads or listings to find targets

HECO said the “late payment” scam is the most prevalent: Scammers threaten disconnection unless payment is made immediately via prepaid debit cards, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. 

However, HECO received seven reports over the summer from customers about a new type of scam: Scammers claimed to be from HECO, provided a “work order” number, and instructed the customer to contact a “field technician” using an 800 number. Once the number is called, the scammers demand payment for a repair and threaten, if they are not paid immediately, to disconnect power.

“Scammers target utility customers because we all depend on essential services such as electricity, water and telecommunications – especially during this busy time of year,” said Brendan Bailey, Hawaiian Electric vice president of customer service, in a news release. “Customers should always stay alert and vigilant. Don’t let a scammer’s threat of disconnection ruin your holidays.”

The scammers target a wide variety of individuals and businesses, but HECO said they have noticed a trend of scammers using real estate ads or listings to find targets. 

“They were saying that unless we call back and pay for repairs, they were going to terminate our service,” said Richard Nakatsu, a property manager with HI Five Realty who received a scam call on June 17. “They’re spoofing the Hawaiian Electric number.”

He called HECO customer service, confirmed he was being scammed, and also learned the scammers were likely targeting realtors. Since real estate agents put their “their name, face and number all over the internet,” Nakatsu said, there is a wealth of information for scammers. 

“They’re relentless. With AI things are going to get worse,” added Nakatsu. 

Nakatsu spotted the scam, but HECO said recently a residential customer who received the same type of call paid the scammers $1,498 through Zelle, a money transfer service offered through banking apps. 

HECO asked customers to review acceptable payment options.

To file a fraud report, visit HECO’s website.