HFD warns public of fake fire inspectors

The Honolulu Fire Department is cautioning the public that individuals identifying themselves as fire inspectors offering home inspections are not affiliated with the HFD.

The city has received several inquiries from residents who have received phone calls from people calling themselves fire inspectors.

The Honolulu Fire Department does not make cold calls to inspect the interior of residential homes, nor does it reach out to offer such services, HFD Capt. Kevin Mokulehua said.

It does contact schools and businesses, however.

HFD wants to ensure that residents don’t confuse people who say they are fire inspectors with HFD fire inspectors, Mokulehua said.

The fire department, if asked, will send two uniformed firefighters to provide recommendations on how to make a home safer. It also has a smoke alarm program.

If people do get a visit from someone purporting to be a fire inspector but feel their safety is at risk, they should call police at 911 and a uniformed police officer will respond.

Big Isle woman victim of sweepstakes scam

Hawaii island police warn the public of a sweepstakes scam after a culprit stole over $12,000 from a 70-year-old Keaau woman who fell prey to the caller’s scheme.

Police said the woman received a phone call on Dec. 22 from the caller with an 876 area code number who told her she had won a sweepstakes prize. When the woman became suspicious, the caller asked for her personal account information so he can pay off her balance “in an act of good faith,” according to Big Island police in a news release.

The suspect then told her to contact her bank to confirm. Police said a bank representative informed her there was a pending deposit to her account.

Police Maj. Sam Thomas said the scammer called back and convinced her to send $12,000 to an address he provided as prepayment of tax before receiving the prize.

The victim later learned the deposit was never processed.

Police warn not to give personal account information or fall prey to requests for money via telephone or the internet.