The Hawaii Police Department scam warning was issued this week after a Hawaii Island resident lost a significant amount of money to an intricate government impersonation scheme, according to officials.

Police said the victim was targeted by scammers posing as government representatives, a tactic designed to create urgency and pressure people into making payments or sharing sensitive information. The department urged residents to be cautious with unsolicited calls, texts, emails, or social media messages that demand immediate action or payment.

Hawaii Police Department scam warning: what to know

According to the department, common red flags include requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer apps, along with threats of arrest, suspension of benefits, or legal action. Legitimate agencies do not demand payment over the phone or ask for personal details like Social Security numbers or bank information in unsolicited contacts.

Residents are encouraged to verify any suspicious outreach by independently contacting the agency using a publicly listed number, not one provided by the caller. Police also recommend enabling account alerts, using strong and unique passwords, and reporting suspected scams immediately.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or has suffered a loss should document the interaction and contact Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency line. Reports can also be filed with the Federal Trade Commission and the state Department of the Attorney General to help authorities track patterns and warn the community.

Officials emphasized that awareness and quick reporting can help prevent additional victims across Hawaiʻi Island. Related concerns over regulatory scrutiny have also surfaced in financial and business contexts, such as when federal authorities examined Noa Botanicals over financial transactions.