The Maui Police Department has issued a warning against an intricate scam that's having tourists and locals alike doing more than double-checking their sparkles. In a scam alert notice posted on July 9, the Maui Police Department highlighted a fraudulent scheme where individuals pose as unfortunate travelers who have faced theft or robbery; allegedly left with nothing, they offer to sell expensive-looking jewelry for a fraction of its worth to fund their trip home. Unfortunately, a trip to the jeweler tends to reveal the pieces as fake.
The scam has found a stage at popular locales like the Queen Ka'ahumanu Center, the Shops at Wailea, and perhaps most disconcertingly, the bustling aisles of Walmart. Scammers, reportedly varying from men and women to those pretending to be family units - sometimes with children in tow - claim to have come from places far like Dubai or Saudi Arabia. As the police continue to discourage you from roadside purchases, they remind the public that legitimate sellers usually establish themselves in physical stores, pop-up stalls, or have easily verifiable online storefronts.
Images exemplifying the counterfeit jewelry have been shared by the police, possibly to ensure you don't to accidentally adorn yourself with these deceiving trinkets. Maui Police Department's Facebook page features the photos, cautioning potential buyers to consider more credible avenues for their jewelry needs. Those who have already fallen prey to this scam or those who encounter these con artists are urged to report their experiences. The department has provided contact numbers, encouraging reports to be filed at 808-244-6400 or, in dire situations, to dial 911.
