HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR110617KPDwarnspublicofscams
C O U NT Y O F KAU A‘I
BERNARD P. CARVALHO JR.
Mayor
WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Managing Director
KAUA‘I POLICE DEPARTMENT
News Release
For Immediate Release: November 6, 2017
DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD warns public of scams
LĪHU‘E – In light of recent scam alerts, the Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) is reminding
residents and businesses to be aware of potential scams.
Recently, a report was made of a caller impersonating the Friends of Kaua‘i Fire
Department, a non-profit organization that raises money for the Kaua‘i Fire Department. Fire
Chief Robert Westerman was told by a Waimea resident that someone had attempted to call
and ask for money on behalf of the non-profit. However, this is not the proper way donations are
accepted.
“The Friends of Kaua‘i Fire Department does not make phone calls to residences for the
purpose of soliciting donations,” said Fire Chief Westerman, who is also the president of the
organization. “If you receive a suspicious phone call, hang up immediately and report it to
police.”
KPD urges the public to be especially cautious during the holidays. Scams are more
apparent at this time of year when many legitimate organizations participate in fundraising
events for charity. The holidays are also a time when the temptation of “free money,” which is a
common tactic used by many scam artists, can be more inviting to potential victims.
“The thought of being able to gain exponential returns on your investment is a very
tempting offer, so it’s important that citizens know how to spot a scam to avoid becoming a
victim,” stated Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “Scam artists are becoming more creative in
their deception techniques, but the bottom line is to never give your personal or financial
information to someone that you don’t know.”
Kaua‘i police are reminding residents to use the following scam prevention tips:
Do not answer or return calls from unknown numbers.
Use caution when responding to unsolicited calls or e-mails, or unknown individuals
on social networking sites.
Check your bank, credit card and phone statements regularly. If you see an unknown
or unauthorized charge, immediately notify your bank or service provider.
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Senior citizens are popular targets for scam artists as they tend to be more trusting
of unknown individuals. Responsible family members should help to keep them safe.
If you suspect a scam, please call the Kaua‘i Police Department at 241-1711 and file an
official police report.
###