HONOLULU (KHON2) — If someone comes knocking at your door claiming they are part of the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, officials advise you to file a complaint.
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism and Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority are warning residents of a new scam making its way around the islands.
State officials received several reports of scammers posing as HGIA salespeople with the Green Energy Money $aver Program and using aggressive sales tactics with consumers.
The DCCA reminds the public that HGIA employers do not contact the public about its financing programs through tactics such as cold-calling, door-to-door sales, door-knocking and other similar practices.
These practices are regulated by state and federal consumer laws. The full list of state laws regulating door-to-door sales can be found on the DCCA’s website.
The Office of Consumer Protection warns salespeople that misleading consumers by stating or implying an affiliation with HGIA or GEM$ violates consumer protection laws. Violators may be found liable for significant damages and penalties by a court of law.
DCCA in a news release
Officials said government employees should be able to present official photo ID cards as proof of employment.
If you encounter a salesperson who claims to be affiliated with HGIA or GEM$, you are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of Consumer Protection on their website or call (808) 587-4272.
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Consumers are encouraged to also report the salesperson’s name, company and any audio or video recordings of the interactions.