Hawaiʻi Police Department
Criminal Investigation Section, Area I
Lieutenant Rio Amon-Wilkins
Phone: (808) 961-2252
Report No. 20-034813
Media Release
Hawaiʻi Island Police are warning the public about possible internet scams involving political candidate websites.
In a recent case reported to police, the suspect(s) created a “fake” social media account for a local political candidate, very similar to the candidate’s actual social media account. The suspect(s) transferred images from the actual account to the fake account and were also able to gain access to the candidate’s followers. The suspect(s) then began soliciting money under the guise of the candidate’s campaign.
The public is reminded to never provide any personal information over the phone or on-line (to include birthdates, social security numbers, credit card information, bank account information, etc.) to anyone who’s identity they have not confirmed.
If you believe you are contacted by a person, either by phone or on-line, involved in a scam, please call the police department’s non-emergency number at (808) 935-3311 to report the activity.