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Police Warn of Lottery Scam 01-15-02

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
CAPTAIN SAMUEL THOMAS
CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT
PHONE: 961-2328
JANUARY 15, 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

Police are warning Big Island residents about another scam, this one involving a caller from Jamaica telling residents they have won a $1.5 million lottery.

The catch is, the “winner” must first wire $850 to Jamaica to pay taxes on his “winnings.”

Police reported that a 90-year-old Hilo man had received such a phone call. Officers were tipped off about the scam, however, and were able to convince the victim not to send any money to Jamaica.

They advised anyone losing money in such a scam to call the U.S. Secret Service in Honolulu at (808) 541-1912.

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