KPD warns public of Internet scams

LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department has issued an alert about various Internet scams and is urging residents to be extremely cautious when dealing with companies doing business on the Internet, a county news release states.

Police have received reports of various Internet-based schemes aimed at obtaining money from people.

One of the scams involved a fraudulent landlord that required payment of the first month’s rent in advance of showing an apartment to an interested lessee, the release states. Once the victim deposited payment into the Texas account, the “landlord” could no longer be reached. Efforts to contact the “landlord” under the apparently fictitious name, Marshall Ross, have gone unanswered.

Another instance involved a victim receiving counterfeit monies for goods he sold through a popular online classifieds site. 

In this particular instance, the buyer (scammer) sent the seller (victim) two money orders for a total amount greater than the advertised price of the product. The buyer, identifying himself as John Harris, instructed the seller to send back the excess money to his shipping agent, Roy Coleman, who would pay for transportation and shipping costs. The seller deposited the money orders then made a money transfer for the balance, via Western Union, to Roy Coleman in Houston, Texas. A couple days after the seller deposited the money orders, he was notified by his bank that the money orders were counterfeit. 

The Kaua‘i Police Department is urging individuals to verify websites used for monetary transactions, and take precaution when releasing personal information or sending money to unknown individuals.

Authorities report that Internet scams happen throughout the year, but appear to be more prevalent during the holiday season.

To report a fraudulent call, e-mail or any suspicious behavior, call Police Dispatch at 241-1711.