State warns of scam callers posing as deputy sheriffs

Callers claiming to be deputy sheriffs are trying to extort money as part of a recent scam, the state Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division warned Tuesday.

In recent weeks, several people have had deputy sheriff impersonators calling to tell them that they have outstanding warrants because they failed to appear in court. One scammer even told a woman that she failed to appear at a hearing she was summoned to for her expert testimony. She was instructed to post a “surety bond” to freeze charges against her. She immediately hung up the phone and reported it.

“These scammers are getting very creative in their attempts to steal money. They’re using real deputies’ names and they are spoofing real Sheriff Division phone numbers,” said State Sheriff Mark Hanohano. “We want to remind everyone that Hawai‘i sheriffs will not call you about missed court appearances or solicit any form of payment electronically, or by phone. The best thing to do is hang up and report it.”

Residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers, bank account information or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency.

Anyone who receives a call, text or email matching this scam should alert the Sheriff Division by calling (808) 586-1352.

To protect against scams, the department recommends:

t $YRLGLQJ FRPPXnicating with unsolicited email or phone text senders.

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emails, attachments or links sent by text from unknown individuals.

t 1HYHU SURYLGLQJ SHUsonal information of any sort via phone, text or email. Many emails requesting personal information appear to be legitimate.