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Hawaii Businesses Warned of QR Code Scams Targeting Hawaiian Electric Customers

·2 min read·Informational

Executive Summary

Hawaiian Electric is warning businesses in Hawaii about a new wave of scams where fraudsters are demanding immediate payment via QR codes to avoid power disconnection. This is a critical alert for all business owners in Hawaii, emphasizing the need for caution and verification against fraudulent activities.

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Hawaiian Electric is alerting its business customers to a surge in scams employing QR codes to steal money. According to a recent announcement from Hawaiian Electric, the utility company has received multiple reports of fraudsters contacting businesses and threatening immediate power disconnection unless payment is made via QR codes. These scams are impacting various businesses, with some already losing thousands of dollars.

Businesses on Oahu have been targeted since mid-June, Hawaiian Electric reported. The scammers typically demand immediate payment to prevent service interruption, using tactics like QR codes for payment, often directing victims to pay at nearby drugstores. In one instance, two eateries were scammed into paying over $2,000 via QR codes. Additionally, Hawaiian Electric emphasizes that their employees will never show up unannounced to inspect equipment inside a home or business, and urges customers to confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be from the utility. Businesses should always verify the caller's identity before providing any payment.

In a similar vein, Spectrum News previously reported on various scams, including those using real estate ads to find targets. These scams often involve threats of power disconnection if payments aren’t made immediately, highlighting the urgency and pressure scammers place on their victims.

To protect themselves, businesses are advised to be extremely cautious of unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment. If there's any doubt, customers should directly contact Hawaiian Electric's customer service to verify the situation. Furthermore, always be wary of emails, links, or attachments sent from unknown sources. Vigilance and verification are key to safeguarding against these fraudulent schemes.

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