HONOLULU – A reoccurring Sheriff impersonator scam incident has prompted the Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division to put out a warning. In recent days, several people have called the Sheriff Division to report that an individual contacted them via cell phone claiming to be a deputy sheriff. In these cases, the Sheriff impersonator stated the individual owed money for outstanding contempt warrants and traffic citations. They were instructed to bring money to clear the warrant to the Department of Public Safety Administration Offices on Alakea Street. In some of these cases the victim paid money to these scammers using crypto currency.
The public is reminded that Sheriffs do not call, text or email people asking for personal information or to solicit payment electronically or by phone. Hawaii residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers, bank account information or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency.
If you receive a call, text or email matching this scam please alert the Sheriff Division by calling 586-1352.
Tips to protect yourself:
• Do not communicate with unsolicited e-mail or phone text senders.
• Do not open e-mails, attachments or links sent by text from unknown individuals.
• Never provide personal information of any sort via phone, text or e-mail. Be aware that many e-mails requesting your personal information appear to be legitimate.
Source: The Garden Island
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