Sweepstakes Scam Reported, Loss of $58K - Honolulu Police Department

Between Jan. 13 and June 24, 2025, a local 84-year-old resident was contacted by individuals claiming he had won a multibillion-dollar sweepstakes. Believing the prize was legitimate, the resident sent multiple payments totaling more than $58,000 to cover supposed taxes and fees. The funds were wired and mailed to various individuals across the U.S.

Anyone who receives suspicious messages promising large winnings in exchange for payment is urged not to respond and to report the contact to the Honolulu Police Department—either by visiting any police station, which is open 24 hours, or by using the online Citizen Reporting Tool at https://www.frontlinepss.com/honolulupolice.