MEDIA RELEASE

Hawaii Electric Light Company is warning electric customers about an apparent telephone scam.

Customers have reported receiving telephone calls from a caller claiming to be conducting a survey about HELCO. At least one customer was asked to provide a credit card number.

Hawaii Electric Light Company would like to remind customers not to provide personal, confidential, or financial information to any unidentified individual and urges customers to be cautious when responding to phone calls.

Report any suspicious activity to local police.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

* Be careful when taking calls from an unidentified phone number; phone scammers will want to remain anonymous.

* Don’t be afraid to ask questions; get the caller’s name, phone number and company name to deter any leading questions. Utility employees would not call you and ask you to provide a credit card number over the phone.

If you have any questions or concerns, call HELCO Customer Service at:
Hilo: 969-6999
Kona: 329-3584
Waimea: 885-4605

— Find out more:
www.helcohi.com