HPD Warns of ‘Spoofing Scam’

HPD warns of phone spoofing.

The Hawaiʻi Island Police Department wants to make the public aware of a “Spoofing Scam” currently being targeted on the island.

By definition, “spoofing” is receiving a call from the (808) area code to make you think it is a local call. However, it is not. It is an effort to deceive you into thinking it is from someone on the island, when, in fact, the call is automatically generated from afar.

The police department has also been targeted and wants you to be aware in the event you receive such a call.

It could be that someone appears to be trying to collect a debt, for example, and will ask for personal information that you should not provide.

The best thing to do is to hang up.

Awareness is your best defense.