Media Release

Big Island police are warning the public about an e-mail scam that targets elderly Big Island residents.

Someone apparently hacked into the e-mail account of a member of the National Veterans Network and sent e-mails under the member’s name to Big Island residents who are planning to attend a Congressional Medal of Honor ceremony for 100th/442nd Regimental Combat Team veterans. The bogus e-mail claims that the sender is in London, had her bag stolen and needs to borrow money to pay her bills. It asks the recipient to respond by e-mail or call one of two telephone numbers.

Police advise anyone who may have received the bogus e-mail not to reply to it or call the telephone numbers given.