CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department would like to inform the public about a recent online purchase scam.

There are reports of people attempting to make purchases online from sellers who are requesting a deposit in order to hold the items. The buyer pays the initial deposit through PayPal or Zelle and arranges a meeting place with the seller. The seller doesn’t show up and changes their account information.

Please be careful when making purchases online. Do not pay a deposit to the seller before purchasing items.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (808) 955-8300. The public may now send anonymous web tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips App.