KAILUA-KONA — County officials are warning residents about a new telephone scam that solicits donations for volunteer firefighters.
At least one resident reported to the Hawaii Fire Department that a person was calling homes stating they were seeking donations for the Volunteer Fireman’s Association, according to a press release from the mayor’s office Tuesday. The caller said the association also could send an envelope in which to send the money.
“The HFD does not have an organization called the ‘Volunteer Fireman’s Association,’ and is not soliciting monetary donations,” the Fire Department stated.
The resident who reported the call said the name Volunteer Fireman’s Association had a number of 808-400-0485 on the caller ID.
Several scams are reported to police on a regular basis. Hawaii police Maj. Robert Wagner said people make a living scamming other people.
One such scam police had reports of involved Hawaiian Electric Cos. Wagner said the scammer calls the potential victim saying their lights will be turned off unless they pay now with a credit card.
Another prolific scam circulating is with the IRS. Wagner said a caller identifies himself or herself as being with the IRS and tells the potential victim they will be arrested if they don’t pay what they owe to the government.
The types of scams are endless.
“The lesson, basically, is to check out who is calling you,” Wagner said. “The IRS does not call people to threaten jail, the police do not call you and ask for money. If HELCO calls, then call them back after checking for their number in the phone book.”
The major added not to give out personal information such as a Social Security number over the phone.
“Do not go and send money orders to anyone,” Wagner added. “Do not believe you have just won a million bucks!”
To report suspected telephone scams, call the Hawaii Police Department’s nonemergency number at 935-3311.
Email Tiffany DeMasters at tdemasters@westhawaiitoday.com.