Called by the ‘Hilo Police Department Civil Processing Unit’? You were the target of a scam

Police are warning the public about a new phone scam after receiving reports from Big Island residents about receiving calls from people impersonating Hawai‘i Police Department officers.

In one instance, a scammer posed as a police captain and left a message for the victim, saying they were calling from the “Hilo Police Department Civil Processing Unit” regarding an important court-related matter.

If people call back the number provided, they get a recorded message saying they have reached the Hilo Police Department.

While Big Island police officers have called individuals with outstanding warrants as a courtesy in hopes that those people might turn themselves in, police will never ask for payment of any kind over the phone.

Hawai‘i Police Department is the official name of the only police department on the island.

Hawai‘i Police Department also does not have a “Civil Processing Unit.”

To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, the Hawai‘i Police Department offers these tips:

• Verify the caller’s identity: Always request the full name, identification number and contact information of the caller. Legitimate law enforcement officers will provide this information without hesitation. Verify their credentials by contacting the Police Department at 808-935-3311 or the agency the caller claims to represent by using publicly available contact information.
• Refrain from sharing personal information: Avoid disclosing details such as your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers or any other sensitive data over the phone unless you are absolutely certain about the legitimacy of the caller.
• Be cautious of urgent or coercive tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency, coercing victims into immediate action. They might threaten arrest, fines or legal consequences to pressure you into revealing personal information or making immediate payments. Take a step back, remain calm and verify the authenticity of the call before making any decisions or taking action.
• Educate yourself and loved ones: Share this information with your friends, family and vulnerable individuals in your community. By spreading awareness, we can collectively protect ourselves and prevent these scams from succeeding.

If anyone receives a phone call of this nature and they are unsure of the authenticity of the caller, hang up and call police dispatch at 808-935-3311 to be routed to the appropriate district station for further information.