Police: Scammers posing as HPD officers
The Hawaii Police Department is warning the public about a phone scam.
In one instance, a scammer posed as a police sergeant and left a message for the victim stating they were calling from HPD regarding an important ongoing legal matter.
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In some instances, the scammer is asking people to buy Apple cards in order to resolve the legal matter.
According to HPD, officers will never ask for payment of any kind over the phone.
To protect yourself from falling victim to these scams, HPD suggests the following:
— 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 HPD 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.
If members of the public receive a phone call of this nature and they are unsure of the authenticity of the caller, they should hang up and call police dispatch at (808) 935-3311 to be routed to the appropriate district station for further information.
