MECO Warns Customers About Telephone Scam

Maui Electric Company offices in Kahului. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

Maui Electric Company today issued an advisory today, warning business customers of an apparent telephone scam.

According to MECO officials, customers reported receiving phone calls from a person claiming to be a Maui Electric representative.

Authorities say during the reported calls, customers were directed to pay their utility bills over the phone to avoid any service disruption.

According to information released by the company this afternoon, MECO officials said, “Maui Electric encourages customers to call its customer service office if they receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent the company. Maui Electric employees will not call customers to request a credit card number or direct customers to submit payment via other options.”

Valid payment options are currently available online at: www.mauielectric.com; via US mail; in person at the company’s Kahului or Molokaʻi business offices; in person at First Hawaiian Bank, Walmart or Western Union locations; and via charge, debit card or electronic check by calling the company’s toll-free number.

For safety and protection, MECO offered the following tips:

• Never provide personal, confidential or financial information to an unidentified caller.
• Be cautious when responding to callers from an unidentified phone number. Phone scammers want to remain anonymous.
• Ask questions. Request the caller’s name, company name and phone number. If in doubt, call Maui Electric’s customer service office to confirm the caller’s request.
• Report any suspicious activity to local police.