Hawaiʻi Island police warn about phone scam involving Federal Trade Commission

The Hawai‘i Police Department is advising the public about a phone scam involving individuals falsely identifying themselves as high-ranking members of the Federal Trade Commission.

In one reported incident, the scammer used a technique known as “spoofing,” in which a legitimate phone number is copied and displayed on a caller ID to make the call appear credible.

The suspect used the Hawai‘i Police Department’s phone number and the name of a Hawai‘i Police Department employee in an attempt to validate the scam, fleecing the victim of nearly $200,000. The case is under investigation, according to the police news release.

The scammers are calling people and telling them they are under investigation and must immediately wire money to resolve the matter.

The scammers often use intimidation and high-pressure tactics, insisting that a person remain on the phone until the financial transaction is completed. The callers may also provide identification-type documents in an attempt to increase their credibility.

The Hawai‘i Police Department reminds the public not to send money to anyone unless the recipient’s identity has been confirmed and the payment is for a legitimate purpose.

Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions to protect themselves from phone scams:

• Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers.
• If someone claiming to be a government official or law enforcement officer demands payment, hang up immediately.
• Contact the Hawai‘i Police Department directly to verify the claim.
• Be cautious of callers who use high-pressure tactics or request unusual forms of payment, such as wire transfers or gift cards.

Anyone who believes they may have been the victim of a similar scam is encouraged to contact the Hawai‘i Police Department’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311 and/or report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov.