Hawaiian Electric warns of scammers using QR codes Vigilance needed as many businesses targeted, some duped out of funds

Hawaiian Electric warns of scammers using QR codes
Vigilance needed as many businesses targeted, some duped out of funds
HONOLULU, July 1, 2025 – In the latest flurry of scams, criminals have targeted Hawaiian
Electric business customers by threatening to shut off service and then 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 Brendan Bailey,
Hawaiian Electric vice president of customer service.
Hawaiian Electric received about 10 fraud reports from businesses on Oʻahu since mid-June.
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.
To review acceptable payment options, go to hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions. To file a
fraud report, visit hawaiianelectric.com/reportfraud.
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 by Bitcoin, it’s a scam. For available
payment methods, go to hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions.
• 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.