Scammers Target Hawai`i Island Electric Customers

Hawai`i Electric Light issued a warning to Big Island residents regarding potential scammers targeting customers in the wake of Hurricane Iselle.

The utility company has been receiving reports from customers who described receiving telephone calls from someone representing themselves as a Hawai`i Electric Light claims representative.

Some customers were asked to provide their social security number to the unidentified callers.

Hawai`i Electric Light issued a reminder to customers that the company will not be contacting them to request personal information. The electric company said it will also not direct customers to submit payments in any method other than those listed on the back of the company’s billing statements.

The utility company advised that residents should never provide personal or confidential information to unidentified persons, or to individuals using unidentified phone numbers.

Hawai`i Electric Light is also warning customers to be aware of technologies that allow callers to use fake IDs, resulting in calls that appear to originate from the company’s phone lines.

Residents are advised to report any suspicious activity to the Hawai`i Police Department.

To obtain a legitimate claim form, customers should visit Hawai`i Electric Light’s service locations in Hilo, Waimea, or Kona, or visit the company’s website at www.hawaiielectriclight.com .