MECO Warns Business Customers of Telephone Scam

Maui Electric Company. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Maui Electric Company is warning customers about an increase in the number of reported telephone scams being used on utility customers.

The company says it continues to receive reports of business customers receiving scam calls in which they are told their bill is delinquent and they are subject to same day disconnection.

Customers are reminded not to provide personal, confidential, or financial information to any unidentified individual. If unsure of a caller’s identity, a recipient can hang up and call MECO directly.

Suspicious phone reports can be made to MECO by calling (808) 871-9777 on Maui, and 1-877-871-8461 on Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi. Suspicious activity should also be reported to Maui police.

Maui Electric Company. Photo by Wendy Osher.

MECO advises that customers pay their electric bills in person at the Kahului office, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and at the Molokaʻi office on Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Other legitimate payment options include: US mail to PO Box 1670, Honolulu, HI 96806-1670; online at mauielectric.com; by phone (fees apply); or walk-in payments can be made at First Hawaiian Bank, Walmart, or Western Union locations.

MECO also released a list of helpful tips:

• Be careful when taking calls from an unidentified phone number; phone scammers will want to remain anonymous.
• Scammers may use technology to fake a caller ID, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get the caller’s name, phone number and company name. That might deter phone scammers from continuing the conversation.
• Maui Electric employees would not direct you to make a payment at any location other than customer service offices and the customer service desks of the sites noted above.