HPD: Beware of New Twists on Old Scams

Big Island Now stock photo. August 2016.

Hawaiʻi Island police are warning the public about a new twist on existing scams.

In the past few days, police in Kona have received five reports of telephone scams in which the recipient is asked to purchase iTunes gift cards in specific dollar amounts and then to await further instructions.

In various calls, the funds were being sought for claims of delinquent energy bills, back taxes owed to the IRS, or bail money to keep a member of the recipient’s family out of jail.

Police caution the public not to fall prey to such scams and not to respond to requests for information or payment that comes by telephone or through the internet.