HPD warns of scams impersonating law enforcement, government agencies

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Honolulu Police Department is warning of a scammer who’s pretending to be law enforcement or government agency officials to steal money and personal information.

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According to HPD, a coordinated fraud group has been using the name and photograph of former CrimeStoppers HPD Sgt. Chris Kim, falsely representing him as an agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center in a cryptocurrency recovery scheme.

Police said a scammer called a victim claiming to be an HPD Sergeant, gave a fake badge number and used a spoofed caller ID.

The scammer claimed the victim could have recent charges dropped or dismissed by completing classes, and instructed the victim to pay for the classes via Apple Pay, Zelle and Cash App.

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The department shared these awareness tips:

HPD also shared commonly used scam tactics:

If a person is targeted in a scam, they should halt contact immediately, notify their bank or financial institution and keep copies of all communication and financial records.

They should also file an official police report and submit a complaint to the FBI’s IC3.

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