KAILUA-KONA — The state Department of Public Safety is warning residents about a sheriff impersonators phone scam.
Impersonators claiming to be deputy sheriffs are calling Hawaii residents to say they missed a court date and sheriffs are being sent to arrest them, according to a press release from DPS on Monday.
The alleged scammer then states that he accepts payment over the phone, which will cover the costs of court fines.
“In three recent cases, the individuals received calls from someone who identified himself as Deputy Walker with the Sheriffs,” the release states.
Officials remind the public that sheriffs do not call people about missed court dates or warrants having to do with missing jury duty.
“They will never ask for personal information or solicit payment over the phone,” the release states. “Hawaii residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency or the courts.”
Anyone who has received a call matching this scam is asked to alert the Sheriff Division within DPS by calling 586-1352.