KPD reminds public to remain vigilant for scams during disaster

Published on September 12, 2026

LĪHU‘E – The Kauaʻi Police Department (KPD) is reminding residents to remain vigilant for scams during the ongoing Hurricane Lowell recovery.

Scams and fraudulent activity can increase during times of disaster, as scammers may take advantage of confusion, urgency, and residents seeking assistance. Individuals may impersonate law enforcement, government agencies, relief organizations, charities, or other trusted entities in an effort to obtain personal information, money, or access to financial accounts.

Residents are encouraged to use caution with unsolicited calls, texts, emails, social media messages, or other communications offering assistance or requesting information. 

The public is reminded to:

• Verify who is contacting you before providing information or accepting assistance.
• Do not share passwords, financial information, Social Security numbers, or verification codes.
• Do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to unsolicited contacts.
• Be cautious with links, QR codes, and requests for donations.
• Use official government and agency channels to verify disaster-related information.

For verified information regarding Hurricane Lowell recovery, visit the County of Kauaʻi’s official channels and KauaiRecovers.org.

Officials remind the public to use 9-1-1 only for life-threatening or time-critical emergencies. Calls to 9-1-1 for weather updates or general road conditions can delay emergency response. For non-emergency road hazards or utility issues, contact KPD Dispatch at 808-755-8516 or 808-652-7837. Due to the ongoing phone outage, KPD’s regular non-emergency line, 808-241-1711, remains unavailable.

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