Hawai‘i Island police warn public of scam callers impersonating officers

Authorities on Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i are warning residents after receiving reports of scammers calling people and posing as police officers.

According to Hawai‘i Island police, a scammer posed as a police sergeant, leaving a message for the victim saying they were “calling from the Hawai‘i Police Department regarding an important ongoing legal matter.” In other instances, scammers were asking people to buy Apple cards.

On the Garden Isle, Kaua‘i police officials say fraudsters impersonating officers are calling people demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest.

Hawai‘i Police Department reminds residents that officers will never ask for payment of any kind over the phone.

Officials provide several tips to avoid falling for these scams.

• 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 Hawai‘i Police Department at 808-935-3311 or the agency they claim to represent using publicly available contact information.

• Refrain from sharing personal information: Avoid disclosing personal 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 may 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 within your community. By spreading awareness, we can collectively protect ourselves and prevent these scams from succeeding.

If members of the public receive 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.