Hawaii utility companies are warning consumers and small businesses about “increasingly aggressive” thieves and scam artists pretending to be workers of the businesses they depend on for essential services.

Representatives of Hawaiian Electric Cos., Hawaiian Telcom, Hawaii Gas, Board of Water Supply and Kauai Island Utility Cooperative spoke at a news conference today alerting the public that scammers, mostly targeting the elderly and small businesses, are stealing “thousands of dollars” in Hawaii.

Most scams are over the phone, but thieves are also posing as utility workers and bill collectors coming to homes and businesses and threatening to disconnect service unless payment is made immediately.

“Whenever you receive a phone call or email or letter that sounds suspicious or out of the ordinary, always check with the organization or business before making any payment or giving out personal financial information,” said Honolulu Police Deputy Chief John McCarthy. “You don’t want criminals to get your hard earned money.”

Scams include callers demanding immediate payment over the phone, via money transfer, prepaid debit cards or by Bitcoin. Consumers should not meet anyone in person who demands to pick up a payment or click on links in emails from a utility company to pay a bill. Utility workers who show up at homes or businesses should also be wearing official attire with a logo, driving a labeled vehicle and carrying company identification.