LIHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department posted an online recording of a con artist who unknowingly attempted to scam Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, according to county officials. The phone call took place earlier this month, and the caller promised
LIHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department posted an online recording of a con artist who unknowingly attempted to scam Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry, according to county officials.
The phone call took place earlier this month, and the caller promised Perry a large sum of money aft after he wire transferred $400 to a person in New York, which would supposedly cover taxes and processing fees.
The 16-minute conversation was recorded by KPD and posted on YouTube.
In this type of scam, when the victim makes a payment, the con artist is never heard from again.
“We wanted the public to get a true understanding of how con artists operate so they can identify when they’re being conned,” says Chief Perry in a news release Thursday. “While this scammer’s promises are so outrageous at times it can seem comical, the fact is there are a lot of people who willingly give their personal information and hard-earned money to strangers. And once that happens, almost nothing can be done to get it back.”
KPD is urging the public to be cautious during the holidays, and released these facts:
• Scam artists use simple requests via letter, e-mail or popular social networking sites, while others develop a more in-depth, online relationship with a victim over a period of time.
• It is common for e-mail scams to include official seals or mention government entities. There are currently several e-mail scams circulating that claim to involve the Internal Revenue Service, foreign embassies, banks or local police departments.
• Scammers are also known for using popular social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace or Twitter.
• Initially, the scammer may pose as a friend and entice victims into sending explicit photos or information, which are later used to extort or otherwise terrorize the victim into providing cash.
• Hackers can even log into a person’s email account and send emails on behalf of the account owner requesting money to assist with a sudden hardship. If you receive an email from a friend that seems suspicious, contact the person directly and verify the situation before you act.
• Children and senior citizens are popular targets for scam artists as they tend to be more trusting of unknown individuals. Responsible family members should keep a careful watch of their online activity.
“The bottom line is if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is,” Perry says. “Never give out your personal information or send money to someone you don’t know.”
To hear Perry’s recorded conversation, visit www.kauai.gov/police.
If you suspect a scam, call KPD at 241-1711.
