The Honolulu Police Department is warning the public about a phone scam where a fake attorney claims a loved one has been arrested and $8,000 in cash is needed to bail them out.
A local resident told Honolulu police they got a call from a man claiming to be an attorney, according to an HPD news release.
“The caller said the resident’s son had been involved in a car crash and was subsequently arrested. The scammer then requested $8,000 in bail money and provided a phone number to coordinate the handoff,” read a statement from HPD. “The resident consulted with bank staff, who suspected a scam. After confirming that the son had not been involved in any incident, the resident reported the call to HPD. No money was lost.”
HPD is asking the public to please remember:
>> Bail or bond payments are accepted only at police stations. Officers will never meet you elsewhere to collect money.
>> Ignore calls or texts from unfamiliar numbers. If in doubt, contact the police directly to verify.
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>> Never share personal or banking information with unknown callers or send payment in any form.
To report fraudulent activity, call 911, visit a police station or file an Online Citizen Police Report.
“Your vigilance helps HPD protect the public and build a safer, stronger community,” read the statement.
In March, the FBI warned of scammers impersonating law enforcement or government officials to extort money or steal personally identifiable information.
