LIHUE — Law enforcement officials are urging the public to watch out for sweepstakes scam letters that have been appearing recently in the mailboxes of Kauai residents. “Recently, we have seen an increase in these types of scams targeting our
LIHUE — Law enforcement officials are urging the public to watch out for sweepstakes scam letters that have been appearing recently in the mailboxes of Kauai residents.
“Recently, we have seen an increase in these types of scams targeting our community. The letters promise huge payouts to the recipient if the recipient first pays a “processing fee” – usually between $10 and $20,” stated Prosecuting Attorney Justin F. Kollar. “These letters often have official-looking seals and signatures and may appear to be very serious, usually urging immediate action and warning recipients not to share the letter or its contents with anyone else.”
These scams often target seniors and retired persons as they tend to be more trusting of unknown individuals. Responsible family members should help to protect them from falling victim.
“The basic rule is that if it looks too good to be true, it probably is,” Kollar stated. “Please be very careful anytime you are asked to send money or personal information to somebody you don’t know personally. Once that money is gone, in all likelihood it is not coming back.”
