Phone Scam: Businesses Targeted by Utility Impersonators

Phone Scam. Maui Now graphic.

Maui Electric Company is warning customers of a telephone scam in which businesses have been targeted by utility impersonators.

The company released an advisory today saying business customers have reported receiving telephone calls saying their electric bill is delinquent and that they’re subject to same-day disconnection.

The businesses were also directed to pay their utility bills by purchasing certain types of money vouchers, such as a prepaid MoneyPak card or Moneygram. Representatives at Maui Electric say prepaid cards and Moneygram are not acceptable methods of paying electric bills.

If customers receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent the company, Maui Electric encourages customers to call the Maui Electric Customer Service Center at: (808) 871-9777 on Maui; or use the toll free number for Lāna‘i and Moloka‘i callers at 1 (877) 871-8461.

In addition, Maui Electric reminds customers of the following tips and guidelines:

• Do not provide personal, confidential, or financial information to any unidentified individuals or callers.
• 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.
• Exercise caution when responding to unsolicited phone calls. If customers feel unsure about the identity of a caller, they should hang up and don’t call back the phone number provided by the caller. Check a reliable source for a Maui Electric contact number such as a phone book, electric bill or at the Maui Electric Company website.
• Report any suspicious activity to police.
• Maui Electric employees would never direct you to make a payment at any location other than our customer service office and the options noted below.

Customers wishing to pay their electric bills in person may do so at Maui Electric’s Kahului office, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other legitimate payment options include: U.S. mail on Maui, Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i: PO Box 1670, Honolulu, HI 96806-1670; Online at the Maui Electric Company website; Walk-in payments may be made at First Hawaiian Bank, Walmart, or Western Union locations (Foodland, Kmart, Sack-N-Save, Safeway, Times Supermarket); and by Phone through charge, checking/savings debit card, or electronic check.  Fees apply.