Hawai‘i Island police are warning the public about recent phone scams that are geared to obtain money from individuals and businesses.

In recent reports, the suspect(s) contact the victim by phone and identify themselves as either local, state, or federal officials. The intended victim is then told they are under criminal investigation, and must purchase Western Union, Money Gram, Money Pack, GreenDot, Apple/iTunes, Google, and/or Vanilla brand cards to pay their “fine” in order to avoid being arrested, or having their social security numbers suspended.

The suspects have been providing fictitious credentials such as their name, agency, badge number, and phone number.  They will also reveal knowing members of the victim’s family and are able to list them by name, location, and other personal information including specific descriptions of clothing they were wearing.

HPD wants to remind the public to never provide personal information over the phone or online to anyone whose identity they have not confirmed.

Those who believe they were victims of these scams are encouraged to call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311.

Photo credit: Hawaiʻi County Police Department