Counterfeit jewelry scam back on Kauaʻi; police say be vigilant

The Kauaʻi Police Department is warning the public about the likely return of counterfeit jewelry scammers to the island.

In August 2022, there was a group of subjects selling counterfeit jewelry on Kauaʻi that resulted in the arrest of four men. There have been recent reports that similar incidents are occurring on Maui and Oʻahu. 

“There is a high probability that this same group or their associates may be on our island [Thursday],” Lt. Kennison Nagahisa of the Investigative Services Bureau said in a news release.

In previous incidents, individuals from the group were approaching people in public places and at residences, attempting to sell jewelry that they advertised as being rare or antique jewelry. 

The group of scammers were reportedly telling victims they were visitors and would sell their jewelry at a fraction of what they were worth because they were in need of money for various reasons such as they lost their wallet, or their IDs were stolen. Victims later discovered the gold pieces they purchased were fake and reported the fraudulent activity to police. 

“Unfortunately, these scammers prey on the good-hearted nature of Hawaiʻi’s people and we ask that the public stay vigilant to avoid being victimized by these thieves,” Nagahisa said. “Anyone who encounters subjects exhibiting these suspicious actions should immediately report it to KPD and if possible, try to get a description of the subjects and any vehicle they may be operating”.   

If you or someone you know has fallen victim to this jewelry scam or suspect suspicious activity, please contact Kaua‘i police dispatch immediately at 808-241-1711.  Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kauaʻi  P3 Tips Mobile App, available for download on Android and Apple mobile devices.