HomeMy WebLinkAboutNR3-6-17KPD
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: March 6, 2017
DARRYL PERRY, CHIEF
Tel (808) 241-1600
Fax (808) 241-1604
KPD warns of popular scams, encourages public to be vigilant
LĪHU'E – In light of recent scam alerts, the Kaua‘i Police Department encourages
residents and businesses, particularly the elderly community, to be aware of potential scams.
“Unfortunately, once a person willingly gives their money to a scam artist, it is very
unlikely that those funds will be recovered,” stated Police Chief Darryl Perry. “The thought of
being able to gain exponential returns on your investment is a very tempting offer, especially for
those who are struggling financially, so it’s important that citizens know how to spot a scam to
avoid becoming a victim.”
Some of the more common tactics involve scams that impersonate an organization to
which you may actually owe money, such as a debt collection company or the Internal Revenue
Service (IRS). Scammers will convincingly pose as an IRS representative and threaten victims
with arrest or prosecution for failure to bay “back taxes” and demand immediate payment via
wire transfer. However, the IRS ensures that it will never call a person to demand immediate
payment over the phone, nor will the agency call about taxes over the phone without first
mailing you several bills and giving you the opportunity to question or appeal the amount owed.
Other scams may promise the victim a large monetary payout or a new car, but only
after he or she wire transfers money to the caller, supposedly to cover taxes or processing fees.
Some con artists use simple requests via letter, e-mail or popular social networking
sites, while others develop a more in-depth relationship with a victim over a period of time. A
scammer will set up a fake social media profile and develop a level of trust with the victim, all
the while learning more about the victim’s personal life and financial situation. Once that
friendship is established, the scammer could plea for financial assistance to get out of hardship,
or the scammer could weave a story of financial success and encourage the victim to “buy-in” to
a business to reap similar benefits.
“The bottom line is, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” warned Chief Perry.
“Never give your information or send money to unknown individuals. If you believe you are
being contacted by a legitimate person or business, hang up and call that person or company
back at a publicly listed phone number.”
In addition, KPD offers these prevention tips:
Do not answer or return calls from unknown numbers.
Do not respond 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 you are at all suspicious or unsure, speak to a trusted family member, friend or
police.
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.
For more consumer tips and advice, visit the Federal Trade Commission website at
www.consumer.ftc.gov.
For more information on IRS or tax scams, visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov
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