LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department has have received recent reports of COVID-19-related scams whereby victims end up disclosing their credit-card information.
LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i Police Department has have received recent reports of COVID-19-related scams whereby victims end up disclosing their credit-card information.
Scammers are sending texts that appear as if the messages are from the U.S. Postal Service, the department reported.
The message indicates that the COVID test kits the victim may have ordered are being held at the post office. The message asks the victim to click on a link for further information. After clicking on the link, the victim is told they need to pay $3 to have the kits sent to their homes. The victim subsequently provides their credit-card number which the scammer, in turn, steals to make other purchases.
“Scammers continue to become more and more savvy with their tactics,” said KPD Investigative Services Bureau Assistant Chief Bryson Ponce.
“Please remember that the USPS would not reach out to you in this manner and it’s unlikely that any legitimate organization or business would ever do so,” Ponce said.
The following are scam-prevention tips:
• Do not answer or return calls from unknown numbers;
• Be wary of suspicious payment methods;
• Use caution when responding to unsolicited calls or e-mails, or unknown individuals on social-networking sites;
• Check your bank, credit-card and phone statements regularly. If you see an unknown or unauthorized charge, immediately notify your bank or service provider.
