Hawaiian Electric is alerting customers to a string of scams that are likely connected and mostly targeting businesses on Oahu and Maui.

Hawaiian Electric said one incident at about 10:30 a.m. March 19 involved a man who approached the front desk of a Waikiki hotel claiming the hotel’s power would be shut off within an hour if payment was not made by calling “Hawaiian Electric” at a bogus number.

The man reportedly threatened disconnection if the hotel didn’t call (808) 800-9551 to make a payment. Hawaiian Electric said the same phone number was used in at least five other reported scam calls to local businesses in March.

“It’s troubling that someone was brazen enough to identify himself as a Hawaiian Electric employee and attempt to scam a well-known hotel in Waikiki,” said Hawaiian Electric Security Manager Jonathon Grems. “It’s a good reminder for both residential and business customers to be vigilant and not fall victim to scams.”

Hawaiian Electric said its employees do not go door-to-door collecting payments from customers.

Also, Hawaiian Electric employees will not show up unannounced to collect a balance or inspect equipment inside a customer’s home.

Anyone who suspects they are being targeted by scammers should call customer service to confirm Hawaiian Electric employees are visiting your home or business. Also, ask for proper identification if approached by those claiming to be from Hawaiian Electric.

The other incidents connected to the hotel case were phone scams. To report scams, go to hawaiianelectric.com/reportfraud.

Hawaiian Electric offers the following tips:

• If a caller says your account is delinquent and threatens to shut off service immediately unless payment is made, it’s a scam. Don’t be fooled by the caller ID, which can be manipulated to show a legitimate phone number.

• If someone claiming to be from “Hawaiian Electric” contacts you and demands immediate payment via gift cards, money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin, it’s a scam. For available payment methods, go to hawaiianelectric.com/paymentoptions.

• If the caller asks to meet you in person to pick up a payment, it’s a scam.

• If you receive an email urging you to click on an embedded link or attachment, or scan a QR code, to pay a bill, think before you click. It’s likely a scam.

• If someone shows up at your home or place of business claiming to be from Hawaiian

Electric, ensure that person is wearing official attire with a logo, driving a properly labeled vehicle and carrying company identification. When in doubt, call customer service.