DPS Warns Public About Scam

A recent scam incident has prompted the Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division to warn the public.

According to a DPS news release, several people have recently called the Sheriff Division to report an individual claiming to be a deputy sheriff, an employee with the Hawai’i district attorney’s office and, in some cases, a governor’s office employee. The scammer states that there is an outstanding arrest warrant and instructs them to make a payment via gift cards or a money-sharing app to clear the warrant.

The phone number is manipulated so it appears the call is coming from the Sheriff Division or governor’s office. In several cases, the scammer used the bogus name Jessica Mendoza.

The public is reminded that sheriffs and the governor’s office do not call, text or email people asking for personal information or solicit payment electronically or by phone for arrest warrants. Residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency.

If you receive a call, text or email matching this scam, alert the Sheriff Division by calling 808-586-1352.

DPS also offered these tips to help residents protect themselves against scammers:

• Do not communicate with unsolicited email or text senders.
• Do not open emails, attachments or links sent by text from unknown individuals.
• Never provide personal information of any sort via email or text.