The Kaua‘i Police Department is warning the public about a scam targeting elderly residents. Scammers pretend to be law enforcement, claiming there's a warrant for the victim's arrest due to missed jury duty or unpaid fines. They pressure victims into paying with untraceable methods, like prepaid cards or cash apps, according to the Kaua‘i Police Department.
These scammers make their trickery seem more real by using actual names, court addresses, and even manipulating caller IDs to look like they're calling from law enforcement. Here's a key tip to avoid getting scammed: the Kaua‘i Police Department will never call you to ask for payment for fines or legal matters. That's just not how they do things.
Any real communication from the courts will come by mail, not a phone call. If you get one of these scam calls, the Kaua‘i Police Department suggests hanging up and calling them at (808) 241-1711 to verify if the claim is true. They want to help residents spot these scams.
The elderly especially need their shields up to guard against such scams. Families and caretakers are advised to become familiar with these cons and to have a chat with their loved ones regarding this swindle. Remember, if an unsolicited caller attempts to rapid-fire demand immediate payment, hang up. And when in doubt, you can always report the suspicious call to Kaua‘i Police Department.
