CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department want to warn the public about a phone scam that is occurring.

There have been cases where the complainants have received a phone call from a male who stated that they were with the Honolulu Police Department and that the complainant was wanted for a warrant. They were then instructed to pay a monetary fine via gift cards. The complainant believed that the call was legitimate because the caller ID showed that the phone call was originating from the Honolulu Police Department. The complainant then purchased several gift cards and made the payments over the phone. The complainant later realized that they had been scammed.

Law enforcement agencies including the Honolulu Police Department will never contact the public and request for payment to be made.

PHONE SPOOFING

There is an app that allows phone spoofing. It conceals the number of the phone being used and uses another phone number to appear in your caller ID. It can appear to be a Federal Government Agency or your local police department. This can also be used to imitate utility companies, Hawaiian Electric Company or Board of Water Supply, in order to collect false debts.

Do not discuss vital information with anyone who calls. Hang up, check your telephone book for the proper number of the agency identified in the call. Please contact police if you receive these types of calls.

Anyone with information about this incident 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.