HELCO Warning Customers of Bill-Payment Scam

Hawaii Electric Light Co. is warning customers of a scam involving payment of utility bills.

The company said some customers have reported receiving telephone calls from someone claiming to be a HELCO representative and directing them to pay their bill using a service called “Money Pak.”

The caller also tells the customers to not make payments at HELCO’s customer service office.

HELCO said valid payment options are:

• Via US mail
• In person at the company’s Hilo, Kona or Waimea business offices
• In person at Foodland, Sack N Save, Wal-Mart, Kmart, or First Hawaiian Bank
• Using a charge or debit card by calling a toll-free number

Details are available on the back of the billing statement, the company said.

HELCO said its employees will not call and request a credit card number or direct customers to submit payment via other options.

The utility is encouraging customers to call its customer service office if they receive a suspicious call.

For more information, call Hawai‘i Electric Light customer service in Hilo (969-6999), Kona (329-3584) or Waimea (885-4605), or visit www.hawaiielectriclight.com.