LIHUE >> The Kauai Police Department is warning the public about an email scam asking for money.

Kauai police said Monday there have been reports of emails requesting money, claiming to be from Officer Patrick Menino of the Hawaii County Police Department.

The email includes a photo of Officer Menino with an image of the Hawaii County police badge.

Both were obtained from the department’s website.

Menino is an active community relations police officer but has no connection or involvement with the scam.

The messages have been sent to local residents using the email address HawaiiPoliceDepartment@yahoo.com.

Officials believe the scam may have originated in Nigeria.