Kaua‘i police warn residents of jury duty scam

Published on January 06, 2025

LĪHUʻE – The Kaua‘i Police Department (KPD) is warning residents about a scam in which fraudsters impersonate KPD officers and demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.

In this scam, the callers claim to be KPD officers or other law enforcement officials, informing victims that they have a warrant for arrest due to missed jury duty or unpaid fines. To avoid arrest, victims are pressured to pay a hefty fine.

Scammers may use real names, court addresses, or manipulate caller ID to make the calls appear legitimate.

What to do if you are contacted by a scammer:

• Remember, KPD will never request payment of any kind for fines or legal matters.
• All official communications from the court, including jury summons, will be sent via U.S. Mail. Neither the court nor law enforcement will ever demand payment over the phone.
• Don’t trust your caller ID. Technology makes it easy for scammers to fake caller ID information. Calls can look like they come from your local area code, or from a specific organization, even if they don’t.
• Stay calm. Don’t let scammers rush or pressure you into making hasty decisions. They may threaten you with immediate arrest to pressure you into paying quickly.
• Verify callers. Legitimate officials will not hesitate to provide verification and confirm any claims. If in doubt, hang up and contact KPD directly at (808) 241-1711.

KPD urges all residents to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from this ongoing scam. Report any suspicious calls or messages to KPD Dispatch at (808) 241-1711.

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