When John McElroy of Kekaha recently got a telephone call informing him a $12,000 grant was coming his way, he was skeptical. He felt he had a right to be. The offer was bogus. McElroy contacted Kaua‘i Police Department officers,
When John McElroy of Kekaha recently got a telephone call informing him a $12,000 grant was coming his way, he was skeptical.
He felt he had a right to be.
The offer was bogus.
McElroy contacted Kaua‘i Police Department officers, and urged Kauaians to be wary of the offer.
The caller said she was from a reputable bank, and told him he had been randomly selected to receive a $12,000 U.S. grant, McElroy told The Garden Island.
“They asked for my bank routing number, and asked for my account so they could put $500 into my account as the first installment,” McElroy said.
McElroy balked because “no one is supposed to know your account number.” When McElroy inquired into the background of the callers, “they stopped talking and hung up.” McElroy said he was able to retrieve the number of the caller and forward it to KPD officers.
McElroy, 54, an employee of Syngenta Seeds in West Kaua‘i, said residents should be wary of such a “scam.” “The message is, don’t give out your number (if the same people who contacted McElroy call others),” McElroy said. “This is my warning to people.”
Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@kauaipubco.com.
