Hawai‘i State Judiciary warns public of scammers spoofing phone numbers from Hilo courthouse

The Hawai‘i State Judiciary is warning the public that scammers are “spoofing” phone numbers from phone numbers from the Hilo courthouse (Hale Kaulike) in an attempt to call and extort money from residents.

Generally, the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary states the courts or law enforcement would not call or email unless contacted first seeking assistance with a specific question. All other communications regarding state court legal matters are typically handled through the U.S. Postal Service.

Spoofing is when someone disguises an email address, sender name, phone number, or website URL—often just by changing one letter, symbol, or number—to convince people that they are interacting with a trusted source.

Hawaiʻi state court staff do not contact individuals and ask or demand:

• Proof of identity such as name, birth date, Social Security number, credit or debit card number, or other personal or financial information.
• Immediate payment of fines by purchasing pre-paid debit or gift cards, sending money to the government via wire transfer, or online payment apps such as CashApp, Venmo, etc., nor require transfer of cryptocurrency to avoid arrest and jail.
• Credit card numbers or bank routing numbers.
• To meet somewhere (courthouse, police station, shopping center kiosk, etc.) to make a payment.
• That you stay on the phone to buy pre-paid debit or gift cards.

If you get a phone call you suspect is a scam, hang up without responding to any questions or pressing any numbers you may be asked to press.

If you get an email or text claiming to be from the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary, but you did not call or email us first, delete it immediately. Do not click on anything and do not reply.

Never use the email or phone number you are given when you suspect a scam. Instead, contact the organization directly using the phone number or email provided on the agency’s official website.

If you believe you are in danger or if you were threatened by a scammer, call 911.