State warns of Sheriff impersonator scam
A recent Sheriff impersonator scam incident has prompted the Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division to put out a warning.
On July 6, an individual reached out to the department and reported that she was contacted via cell phone by someone claiming to be a with a fictitious office called the “Hawaii Department of Public Safety, State Security Division.” The Sheriff impersonator stated that they wanted to send the woman four “compensation fund” checks owed to her, totaling $20,000, but first she would have to pay a hefty processing fee. The impersonator even sent a picture of a fake ID that included a Hawaii Sheriff badge logo.
“Unfortunately, these scam artists usually target the elderly. They are taking thousands of dollars in life savings from them before the scam is discovered and reported. The story changes slightly, but in every instance, they are asking for money either by email or over the phone,” said Lanikoa Dobrowolsky, Sheriff Division First Deputy.
The public is reminded that Sheriffs do not call, text or email people asking for personal information or to solicit payment electronically or by phone. Hawaii residents are also advised not to provide credit card numbers or other personal information to callers claiming to represent a law enforcement agency.
If you receive a call, text or email matching this scam, alert the Sheriff Division by calling (808) 586-1352.
Sanctuary Advisory Councils plan virtual joint meeting
The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary advisory council and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa advisory council will meet virtually from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday for a joint meeting. The meeting is open to the public.
This meeting is the first joint meeting between the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary advisory council and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa advisory council. Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Director John Armor will be present to greet both councils and provide any national updates. Each council will have a representative who will present on past, present and future updates of their council. The councils will address questions from members and the public.
Public comment will be taken at approximately noon. Those who would like to provide public comment during the virtual meeting, should sign up in advance by emailing cindy.among-serrao@noaa.gov.
The virtual meeting will be held using Google Meet at https://meet.google.com/xuu-hbuo-itn or by calling (413) 276-7189 and entering PIN 198429418.
For more information or to view recent council actions and previous meeting agendas, visit http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov.