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Handyman scam 11-24-08

Hawaii Police Department
Community Policing, Area II
Sergeant Nancy Haitsuka
326-4646, Ext. 259
November 24, 2008
Report No. M08055625

Media Release

The Hawaii Police Department is warning the public about a possible handyman scam in the Kona area.

A 78-year-old Kona man reported that a local male approached him at his home Saturday morning and offered to help him with a pool of transmission fluid on the resident’s driveway. The stranger first told the man it would cost $300 to repair the man’s vehicle and later raised the cost to $2,500.

The resident became suspicious. He gave the stranger no money. His car was later determined to be in perfect working order with no leaking fluids.

The stranger is described as between 35 and 45 years old, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-9 with a thin build. He was operating a newer sports-utility vehicle and was with a woman and a young boy.

Police warn the public to be cautious about being approached by a “handyman” knocking on doors and offering to help with repairs. Residents are encouraged to call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 to report any suspicious activities.