Page 12 - MidWeek East - Oct 27, 2021

12 OCTOBER 27, 2021
Take A Virtual ‘Walk In The Country’ For BGCH
Beware Of Payment Scams
Typically held at Lan- ikūhonua in Ko ‘Olina, Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii’s 25th annual Walk in the Country auction and dinner will be taking place 5-6:30
p.m. Nov. 5 in the virtual space for the second year. The event hopes to raise crit- ical funding for programs and services aimed at help- ing Hawai‘i’s youth.
“Many things have changed over the past year and a half, but one thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to our keiki and their future,” states
Paddy Kauhane, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i. “The real- ity is, no matter what goes on outside our doors, Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i must continue to move for- ward. It’s our only option.”
Scammers are using more elaborate schemes to steal money from Hawaiian Elec- tric customers. The company warned the public to avoid becoming a victim in a recent announcement.
customer called and was told to pay more than $800 or face disconnection. The scammer asked for a wire transfer. That raised a red flag for the cus- tomer.
The Walk In the Country virtual fundraiser for Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i isNov.5.PHOTOCOURTESYBOYS&GIRLSCLUBHAWAI‘I
W H Y
To learn more, visit bgch.com/walk2021wel- come.
Customers who suspect a scam should report it to cus- tomer service or file a fraud report at hawaiianelectric. com/stopscams.
Guests can expect perfor- mances by ‘ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, magi- cian Paul Draper and club talent shows. Meanwhile, a silent auction will be under- way and includes travel and staycation packages, unique pieces from local artists and businesses, and wines and spirits from around the world. All proceeds will go toward Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i.
Hawaiian Electric reminds customers that it will never threaten immediate discon- nection. In some recent cases, scammers have contacted real estate agents and threatened to immediately shut off power to their listing if payment was not made. During the pandem- ic, past-due customers receive mailed payment reminders, courtesy calls, email and other communications before any disconnection notice is sent.
Hawaiian Electric does not request wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, gift cards or bit- coin to pay bills. For a list of the company’s authorized pay- ment methods, go to hawaiian- electric.com/paymentoptions.
In recent fraud cases, the scammers provided real es- tate agents with a false num- ber for Hawaiian Electric to pass on to their clients. One
The company also warns that customers should be vig- ilant when opening emails. It does send emails with pay- ment reminders or company news, but it will never ask for credit card numbers or other personal information.
In a Roundabout Way Quick Words, Curious Years, Long Miles
In his third collection of poetry, retired newspaper editor and long-time East Oahu resident John Simonds offers a wide range of mood-shifting poems. From light and breezy to sardonic and impatient, they reach out to readers of varied ages and interests. Topics touch current and historic events, revisit career and personal experience, reflect on local, global, health and family life.
John E. Simonds | Dorrance Publishing Co. simondsj001@hawaii.rr.com
Available in paperback for $14 on-line from:
www.dorrancebookstore.com or amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com
?
There is no shame in turning down invitations to parties and gatherings.
DO NOT GATHER ∙ GET VACCINATED
Your friends and ‘ohana understand. Save hugs and honi for when it’s safe to be together again.
HawaiiCOVID19.com/vaccine