A fraud and scam prevention presentation comes at a good time with romance scams on the rise ahead of Valentine’s Day

With an uptick in scams that come from phone calls, text messages, email, social media or even by mail, the County of Kauaʻi Agency on Elderly Affairs is hosting presentation with Kupuna Alert Partners on best practices for Fraud and Scam Prevention this Wednesday.

The event is free for registered and walk-in attendees and will be at Kauaʻi War Memorial Convention Hall with the presentation beginning at 9:30 a.m. and resources available throughout the morning.

The Kupuna Alert Partners is a partnership between the following partners:

• Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division, Community & Crime Prevention Branch;
• Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Business Licensing Division, Office of the Securities Commissioner, Investor Education Program;
• Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP Hawaii);
• Department of Public Safety, Narcotics Enforcement Division.

This multi-agency partnership will provide information on Medicare and securities fraud prevention and prescription drug misuse. It will also include information on identity theft scams and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.

Other community providers will also have tables with resources on best practices for preventing scams and will be available before and after the presentation. 

Romance scams

With Valentine’s Day approaching, the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service want consumers to be aware they may be targeted for romance scams, a deceptive form of fraud that preys on individuals seeking companionship.

These scams often start online but frequently escalate to requests for money or valuables sent through the mail, leading to devastating financial and emotional losses for victims.

“Protecting the sanctity and integrity of the mail is our top priority,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “This includes protecting customers from mail-related crimes, including fraudulent schemes like romance scams. Public awareness is critical in stopping these criminals before they cause harm.”

How romance scams work

Scammers create fake identities, often using stolen photos and fictitious personal details to cultivate online relationsdhips over weeks or months. They then will build trust through social media, dating apps, or email and then pledge their love early on.

Once trust is established, they fabricate urgent financial needs – such as medical emergencies, travel expenses, or business problems – to solicit money.

Victims are pressured into sending cash, checks, wire transfers, or gift cards, making recovery difficult once the fraud is detected.

How to protect yourself

The U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service suggest the following actions for protection:

• Be cautious of online relationships that escalate quickly, especially if the individual avoids in-person meetings or video calls.
• Look for inconsistencies in the person’s profile and the information they share. Keep your personal information private.
• Never send money, checks, gift cards, or personal finance information to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Be suspicious of requests for secrecy or urgent financial help.
• If you think it’s a scam, cut off communication immediately and report it.

For more information on romance scams and how to protect yourself and others, visit Romance Scams – United States Postal Inspection Service.

How Postal Service and Postal Inspection Service are fighting fraud

The U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are ramping up public outreach efforts to help Americans recognize and avoid mail fraud. In addition to proactive law enforcement measures, the Postal Service is spreading awareness through multiple channels to raise awareness, including:

• Social media platforms
  • Postal Inspection Service regularly shares public service announcements and prevention messaging on several social media platforms.
• Mail fraud prevention resources
  • Providing updated scam alerts, prevention tips, and reporting tools on Tips & Prevention – United States Postal Inspection Service.
• Mailin’ It! podcast
  • Postal inspectors share true crime stories of real cases on the official U.S. Postal Service podcast, Mailin’ It! These episodes highlight real cases where fraudsters have used the mail to target victims, reinforcing the importance of staying informed and vigilant.
• Wanted Wednesdays
  • Postal Inspection Service has a social media campaign spotlighting wanted criminals involved in postal-related crimes.
• Fraud prevention webinars and public events
  • Postal Inspection Service personnel engage with communities through live and virtual events to educate the public on emerging scam tactics.

How to report mail fraud

If you or someone you know has been targeted by a romance scam involving the mail, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report. Victims should also notify their local law enforcement agency and the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Fraud and Scam Prevention in Kauaʻi

The Fraud and Scam Prevention event will be at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall with in-person registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. The presentation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. and then attendees can browse through the resource tables. There will also be light refreshments available during the event.

Walk-in participants are welcomed, but pre-registration is recommended and available online, or by contacting the Agency of Elderly Affairs office over the phone at 808-241-4470, or by email at elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov. 

If an attendee needs an ASL Interpreter, materials in an alternate format, other auxiliary aid support, or an interpreter for a language other than English, please contact the Agency of Elderly Affairs at 808-241-4470 or elderlyaffairs@kauai.gov as soon as possible.

Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.