HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL DIVISION
LIEUTENANT CHAD FUKUI
PHONE: 961-2311
AUGUST 25, 2000
MEDIA RELEASE
Police are warning Big Island residents to be wary of a renewed telephone scam that attempts to bilk unsuspecting people, particularly the elderly, out of $2,000 in return for a promise of $100,000.
A spokesman said several residents have called to inquire about a telephone solicitation in which the caller tells the intended victims that they have won $100,000 — if they turn over $2,000 in cash.
The caller then tells the victims that he will visit their residence to make arrangements to receive the money in exchange for a check for $100,000.
From the information gathered from concerned residents who have called, the spokesman said, the evidence indicates that the scam is aimed at elderly people.
Besides being on the alert for such scams, police are urging younger residents to explain the scam to their parents or elderly relatives who may not regularly have access to local news media outlets.
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