BUSINESS BRIEFS
New warning of 'phishing'
Advertiser Staff and News Services
Hawaiian Tel Federal Credit Union said members are being targeted with another so-called "phishing" e-mail that tries to trick people into giving account information.
The credit union said it has alerted members of the bogus e-mail that says there has been a security breach at another company that may compromise some members' VISA or MasterCard credit and debit cards. The fraudulent message asks people to login to their online accounts and provide their private information.
STATE CONTRACTOR LICENSES ONLINE
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs' Professional and Vocational Licensing Division and the Contractors Licensing Board are encouraging the state's more than 11,000 licensed contractors to renew their licenses online by visiting www.ehawaii.gov/pvlrenew.
It is the first time the state is offering contractors the opportunity to renew their licenses online. To date, the state has made more than 30 different applications available online.
WAL-MART PROFIT IN RARE DECLINE
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. posted a lower profit for the first time in a decade yesterday as the world's largest retailer paid a hefty price for closing its loss-making German stores, while high energy prices hit its sales and costs at home.
Chief Executive Lee Scott said sales were disappointing at Wal-Mart's U.S. stores, its largest division. Customers were making fewer shopping trips to save gas, while Wal-Mart's own bills for fuel and utilities were up, he said.
HOME DEPOT'S EARNINGS RISE
ATLANTA — The Home Depot Inc., the nation's largest home improvement store chain, yesterday reported a 5.3 percent jump in second-quarter earnings on a strong rise in sales.
Signaling it wants to do more to improve its business, Home Depot said it would invest $350 million more during the second half of the year.
