HSI Honolulu Urges Caution on Potential Fraudulent Phone Calls

HONOLULU — Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Honolulu has received reports of a scam involving spoofed phone calls targeting members of its community July 17.

The most recent reported scam includes callers impersonating HSI Honolulu representatives using the number from HSI Honolulu’s main tip line, which is 808-529-1900. The caller accuses recipients of having an illegal passport and states recipients will be arrested unless they comply with certain demands.

Spoofed phone calls, or spoofing, occurs when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your phone to disguise their identity. Spoofing is often used as part of an attempt to trick someone into giving away valuable personal information so it can be used in fraudulent activity or sold illegally.

HSI agents will not call anyone from the main tip line phone number. If you receive a call from an unknown number, think twice before answering. HSI agents will not attempt to arrest an individual over the phone. Agents urge you to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect yourself from falling victim to these scams.

Some tips to keep in mind:

• Do not provide ANY information to the caller.
• Do not contact the email or number being given. Instead, contact the organization directly via its official website — hsi.gov.
• If you received a call or message from an individual claiming to be with HSI or gave personal information or sent money or gift cards, please report the incident to HSI Honolulu at 808-529-1900.