FBI warns Hawaii residents of fake law enforcement scam calls
Scammers pose as federal law enforcement agents to frighten or pressure people into giving money or personal information. The FBI's Honolulu office reports the scheme is growing among Hawaii residents.
How it works
The contact usually comes by phone or through a video meeting invitation. The caller claims to be a federal agent and may use a fake background on the virtual platform to look official. The scammer then tries to create fear or urgency, such as claiming you are under investigation, and pushes you to send money or share sensitive personal details.
Red flags to watch for
- Caller claims to be an FBI or federal agent
- Video call background looks official but seems staged
- Caller demands immediate payment or secrecy
- Caller asks for bank, Social Security, or account details
- Contact comes unexpectedly about an investigation you did not expect
What to do
Do not send money, gift cards, or personal information to anyone who contacts you claiming to be a federal agent. Hang up or end the video call, then contact the FBI Honolulu Field Office using a phone number you find yourself on fbi.gov. Report the contact at ic3.gov or tips.fbi.gov so agents can track the scheme.
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Source: KITV4 Honolulu. Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.