MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Electric Light Company has been informed of a telephone scam that may affect business customers on Hawaii Island.

Customers reported receiving telephone calls from a caller who claimed to be a Hawaii Electric Light representative. The customers were directed to pay their utility bill at a store using a service called “Money Pak.” The caller also directed the customers to not make payments at the utility’s customer service office.

Hawaii Electric Light encourages customers to call its customer service office if they receive a suspicious call from someone claiming to represent the company.

Payment options are:

*   U.S. 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

*   Charge, debit card, or electronic check by calling a toll-free number

Employees will not call and request a credit card number or direct customers to submit payment via other options. Details are available on the back of the billing statement.

For your safety and protection:

* Never provide personal, confidential or financial information to an unidentified caller.

* Be cautious when responding to callers from an unidentified phone number. Phone scammers want to remain anonymous.

* Ask questions: request the caller’s name, company name, and phone number. If in doubt, call Hawaii Electric Light’s customer service office to confirm the caller’s request.

* Report any suspicious activity to local police.

Learn more:

Hawaii Electric Light customer service in Hilo (969-6999), Kona (329-3584) or Waimea (885-4605)

www.hawaiielectriclight.com