Hawaiian Electric Cos. has received nearly 20 reports from customers since Monday who said they received a fraudulent automated call that displayed the utility’s caller ID. The caller demanded immediate payment for what was claimed to be an overdue electrical bill using a prepaid debit card.
The Hawaiian Electric Cos. — Hawaiian Electric, Maui Electric and Hawaii Electric Light — is warning customers to be aware of the phony tactics that are being used to extort money from them.
Customers should hang up if they receive such a call, and then dial the customer service line that is printed on their monthly electrical bills or listed on their company’s website. They should not call the number displayed on the caller ID, even if it says HECO, MECO or HELCO.
30-year mortgages hit 7-year high of 4.61%
WASHINGTON >> Long-term U.S. mortgage rates jumped this week, marking their highest levels in seven years amid the peak home buying season.
The benchmark 30-year rate pushed toward the significant 5 percent level. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate on 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages was 4.61 percent, up from 4.55 percent last week. The new average rate was the highest since May 19, 2011. By contrast, the 30-year rate averaged 4.02 percent a year ago.
The average rate on 15-year, fixed-rate loans climbed to 4.08 percent from 4.01 percent last week.
The latest indications of a strong economy and rising commodity prices — gasoline is at a four-year high — lifted yields on bonds, and mortgage rates followed suit.
Despite higher borrowing costs and home prices, demand for home purchases has grown so far in the spring buying season, as the economic outlook has continued to improve and bolstered consumer confidence.
Nordstrom net grows amid weak sales gains
NEW YORK >> Upscale department store chain Nordstrom Inc. on Thursday reported better-than-expected profit and total revenue for the first quarter.
But sales at its established stores — a key measure of a retailers’ health — showed meager gains.
Department stores have been under pressure as more people shop online at off-price retailers or spend less money overall on clothing, which makes up a big part of their business.
Nordstrom earned $87 million, or 51 cents a share, on revenue of $3.56 billion. That beat the average Wall Street estimate of 42 cents a share on revenue of $3.47 billion.
ON THE MOVE
Harris Chan, area vice president of Marriott International — Hawaii & French Polynesia, has announced that Tomo Kuriyama has been appointed general manager of the Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort. Kuriyama has been in the industry for more than 15 years, including having previously served as deputy general manager of Sheraton Waikiki.
Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties has announced that Eren Look was promoted to branch manager of its Windward office. Look joined the firm in 1992 and has worked in various positions, including being a part of the leadership team where she contributed to coaching and agent development as well as recruiting and overall branch performance for Windward, Honolulu and Waikiki offices.
The County of Hawaii’s Council has confirmed Allan G. Simeon as director of the Department of Public Works as of last month. He previously served as deputy director and acting director of the department. Simeon is a licensed professional engineer and joined the County of Hawaii in 1997 as a civil engineer.
