Police warn of jury duty scam circulating on Oahu

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new scam is circulating on Oahu.

The Honolulu Police Department issued a warning Friday for the public to be on alert for jury duty scams spreading through fraudulent calls, texts, and emails.

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According to police, the scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers or court officials, falsely claiming that victims missed mandatory jury duty and face active arrest warrants.

The scammers then request immediate payment of a fine or bail bond to avoid imprisonment.

Police warn that this scam can seem convincing because perpetrators tend to use the names and addresses of actual law enforcement officials, agencies, and courthouses to create a false sense of security.

The public is reminded that official jury duty notices are sent exclusively via mail.

Government agencies will never ask for payment or personal information over the phone.

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HPD recommends the following precautions to prevent falling victim to this scam.

Hang up immediately if you receive a suspicious phone call claiming you missed jury duty and owe money.

Delete suspicious emails or text messages claiming to be from the police or the courts.

Avoid clicking on links, opening attachments, or replying to any messages from an unknown source.

Beware of caller ID, as scammers can fake the appearance of an official phone number so as to seem legitimate.

Anyone who has already given out personal information or lost money to a scam is asked to file a report immediately by calling HPD at (808) 529-3111, or click here to file a police report online.

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