#telephone scam maui

The Maui Police Department is advising residents of a new telephone scam in which callers pretend to represent the department and make false requests for a “Meth Project” for local schools.

Several business customers have reported receiving telephone calls saying that their electric bill is delinquent and that they are subject to same-day disconnection.

According to Maui Police the two “known” and “most prevalent” telephone scams in Maui County currently include: scammers pretending to be family members requesting money; and scammers falsely utilizing the Publisher Clearing House name, requesting payment to claim a “big prize.”

The company issued a warning to customers today, saying dozens of small business customers across the state have reported receiving calls saying their electric bill is delinquent and that they’re subject to same-day disconnection.

Company officials say these customers were told to make payments at certain retail stores using specific debit card services, and then provide the caller with a confirmation number which grants the scammer access to the customer’s funds.