Police warn of government impersonation scam on Hawaii Island
HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Hawaii Police Department is warning of a government impersonation scam after a Hawaii Island resident lost a large amount of money.
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Investigators said the victim was called by someone claiming to represent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The scammer falsely claimed the victim’s number was linked to a money laundering case and transferred to another scammer posing as a Washington, D.C. Police Department officer.
Police said the victim was told to download the messaging app, WhatsApp, to continue communicating with the suspects and had to wire money to avoid prison.
The department said the victim wired money multiple times before realizing he had been a victim of a scam.
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The Hawaii Police Department reminds the public that government agencies will never:
Police said scammers create fear and urgency by threatening arrest, criminal prosecution, frozen bank accounts or seizure of assets.
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If you receive a similar call:
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