Scammers are targeting utility customers
HONOLULU — Though Utility Scam Awareness Day on Nov. 16 has passed, Hawaiian Electric, Hawaiian Telcom, Hawaii Gas, the Honolulu Board of Water Supply and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative, together with the state Office of Consumer Protection and Honolulu Police Department, continue to spread the word about scammers preying on customers, particularly utility customers, who may be experiencing difficulties in these tough economic times.
Several recent cases illustrate the latest tactics scammers are using when they call consumers to make a payment at a cryptocurrency machine or have their services shut off immediately. Bitcoin, or cryptocurrency, kiosks are now located at gas stations, laundromats, smoke shops and mini marts across the state. According to a Hawaiian Electric news release, a recent victim paid over $12,000 in multiple payments at a kiosk in a small restaurant.
