Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement in Kauai Island
Law enforcement authorities in Hawaii’s Kauai island have warned cryptocurrency users about scammers posing as law enforcement officers. These scammers use deceptive tactics, such as calling victims and falsely claiming they have arrest warrants issued against them. Victims are then coerced into paying fines in cryptocurrency to avoid arrest.
Deceptive Tactics Used by Scammers
Scammers go to great lengths to deceive victims, altering the caller ID to manipulate displayed numbers on the victim’s phone. They may use real information about the victims to appear credible. Despite not disclosing how they spoof numbers or acquire victim information, scammers create a false sense of urgency to manipulate victims into compliance.
Police Department’s Response and Warning
Kauai police have emphasized that law enforcement agencies do not demand payments over the phone. They urge locals to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers and refrain from sharing sensitive personal information. Reporting such incidents to the police is essential, as fines are only issued after court appearances, and government-imposed fines cannot be paid in cryptocurrency.
