CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department would like to inform the public about a Hawaiian Telcom scam that is occurring.

There have been reports of residents receiving an email from someone purporting to be a Hawaiian Telcom employee. The employee is stating that the customer’s online account needs to be reset and asks for the customer’s username and password. In cases where this information was given, the customer’s email contacts receives emails purporting themselves to be the customer requesting money.

Do not give usernames and passwords to anyone. Keep this information confidential. If you receive any type of correspondence from utility companies, feel free to contact the company to verify any requests.

Local utility companies offer the following tips to avoid telephone and email scams:

• If someone calls from a utility demanding immediate payment over the phone, via money transfer, prepaid debit cards, or by Bitcoin, it is a scam.
• If the caller asks to meet the customer in person to pick up a payment, it is a scam.
• If you receive an email from your utility company urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment to resolve a utility issue or pay a bill, think before you click. It is likely a scam.
• If a utility worker shows up at your house or place of business, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle, and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call the utility company’s customer service center.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300. The public may now send anonymous web tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips app.