Hawaiian Electric Co. is warning Hawai'i residents that the company has received reports that individuals impersonating HECO and Hawaii Electric Light Co. employees have been contacting residential customers and businesses by telephone and asking for personal information.

Bogus calls have been reported on O'ahu and the Big Island. Impersonators tell customers that their electric bill is overdue and must be paid or electric service will be disconnected, HECO officials said.

They advised all customers not to provide personal, confidential, or financial information to any unidentified individual.

Questions or concerns should be directed to the appropriate HECO Customer

Service department on the respective islands: O'ahu, Hawaiian Electric Company 548-7311; on the Big Island, Hawaii Electric Light Company 808-969-6999; and on Maui, Maui Electric 808-871-9777.

Hawaiian Electric Company urges customers to be cautious when responding to phone calls and to report any suspicious activity to the company or local police.