Telephone scammers pose as Hawaii police officers

(BIVN) – Police are warning the public about another phone scam reported on the island of Hawaii.

The Hawaii Police Department says it has received reports that unknown individuals have called residents of the Big Island posing as Hawaii Police Department officers.

“If citizens receive a phone call of this nature and are unsure of the authenticity of the caller, please hang up and call police dispatch at (808) 935-3311 to be directed to the appropriate county station for further information,” police wrote in a news release.

From the Hawaii Police Department:

The scammers impersonate police officers. In one case, a scammer posed as a police captain and left a message for the victim saying he was calling from the “Hilo Police Department Civil Litigation Unit” regarding an important legal matter. When people call back the phone number provided, they receive a recorded voicemail message saying they have reached the Hilo Police Department.

Although Hawaii police officers have been known to call people with outstanding warrants as a courtesy in the hope that they will turn themselves in, they will never ask for any kind of payment over the phone. The Hawaii Police Department is the official name of the only police department on the island. The Hawaii Police Department does not have a civil litigation unit.

The Hawaii Police Department made the following recommendations:

• Verify the caller’s identity: Always ask for the caller’s full name, identification number, and contact information. Legitimate police officers will not hesitate to provide this information. Verify their legitimacy by contacting the Hawaii Police Department at (808) 935-3311 or the agency they claim to represent, using publicly available contact information.
• Do not give out personal information: Do not give out personal information over the phone, such as your social security number, bank account information, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information, unless you are absolutely sure of the caller’s legitimacy.
• Be wary of urgent or coercive tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency and force victims to act immediately. They may threaten arrest, fines, or legal consequences to pressure you into revealing personal information or making immediate payments. Step back, stay calm, and verify the authenticity of the call before making any decisions or taking any action.
• Educate yourself and your loved ones: Share this information with your friends, family, and vulnerable people in your community. By raising awareness, together we can protect ourselves and prevent these scams from succeeding.