KAILUA-KONA — Hawaii County officials are warning residents of a new telephone scam that solicits donations for volunteer firefighters.
At least one resident reported to the Hawaii Fire Department that a person was calling homes stating they were seeking donations for the Volunteer Fireman’s Association, according to a press release from the mayor’s office on Tuesday. The caller said the association could also send an envelope to send the money in.
“The HFD does not have an organization called the ‘Volunteer Fireman’s Association,’ and is not soliciting monetary donations,” the fire department stated.
The resident who reported the call said the name Volunteer Fireman’s Association had a number of (808) 400-0485 on the caller ID.
Several scams are reported to police on a regular basis. Hawaii Police Maj. Robert Wagner said people make a living scamming people.
One scam police have had reports of involved Hawaii Electric Company. Wagner said the scammer calls the potential victim saying their lights will be turned off unless they pay now with a credit card.
Another prolific scam circulating is with the IRS. Wagner said a caller identifies himself or herself as with the IRS and tells the potential victim they will be arrested if they don’t pay what they owe to the government.
The types of scams are endless.
“The lesson basically is to check out who is calling you,” Wagner said.
If it is the IRS, Wagner advises to tell them you will call them back, don’t call them back using the number they are asking you call.
“The IRS does not call people to threaten jail, the police do not call you and ask for money,” Wagner said. “If HELCO calls then call them back after checking for their number in the phone book.”
The major added not to give out personal information, like a Social Security number over the phone.
“Do not go and send money orders to anyone,” Wagner added. “Do not believe you have just won a million bucks!”
To report suspected telephone scams, call the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency number at 935-3311.
