The state Department of Public Safety is warning the public about an apparent phone scam in which sheriff deputies are being impersonated.
Hawaii residents have reported to the department that a person is calling from random numbers and telling them there is a warrant for their arrest because they did not attend jury duty or court, according to the department. The impersonator goes on to say that they will come and arrest them unless they pay a fee by phone to have the warrant cleared.
Hawaii residents started receiving the calls in February, according to the department. The scam appears to be nationwide.
The department said that sheriffs do not call people about warrants having to do with jury duty or to solicit the purchase of anything.
Anyone who receives a similar call is asked to alert the state Department of Public Safety’s Sheriff Division by calling (808)586-1352.