Hawaiian Electric warns of scammers sending QR codes to make payments

Fraudsters are targeting Hawaiian Electric business customers in a recent flurry of scams, threatening to shut off service and sending QR codes to make payment.

At least two businesses have paid cash.

“Scammers are constantly updating their arsenal, so it’s critical for all customers to stay alert and vigilant. Don’t let a scammer’s threat of disconnection make you a victim,” said Hawaiian Electric Vice President of Customer Service Brendan Bailey in an announcement about the scam.

Hawaiian Electric received about 10 fraud reports since mid-June from businesses on Oʻahu.

The tactic was similar each time.

The scammer threatened to disconnect power if the business did not make payment. Two eateries received a QR code for payment, and in both cases at least $2,000 was paid to the scammer.

Cash payments were made at a nearby drugstore.

At least seven of the fraud calls reported since June 16 were made from the same local number starting with 458. A call to the phone number reached a recording for a New York-area electric utility.

Hawaiian Electric offers the following tips:

• If a caller says your account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.
• If someone from “Hawaiian Electric” contacts you and demands immediate payment via gift cards, money transfer, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin, it’s a scam.
• If the caller asks to meet you in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.
• If you receive an email urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment, or scan a QR code, to pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.
• If someone shows up at your home or place of business claiming to be from Hawaiian Electric, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification.
• When in doubt, call customer service.

To review acceptable payment options, Visit the Hawaiian Electric website payment options page to review acceptable ways to pay.

You can make a report on the fraud report page at the utility’s website.

Find additional information on the Hawaiian Electric website.