The rip-off artists sent their letter to the wrong hombre.

Police are warning the public of a scam after Police Chief Darryl Perry received a letter claiming that his distant relative had died in Spain and left a safe deposit box containing $7.8 million.

“The letter goes on to explain that I could inherit half of the money if I make a claim for its contents,” Perry said in a statement today. “We want the public to be aware of this scam and others like it, and know how to guard against falling victim.”

Many financial scams promise the victim a large payout, but only after he or she wire transfers money to the requestor, supposedly to cover taxes or processing fees.

Kauai police advise residents not to answer or return calls from unknown numbers; use caution when responding to unsolicited calls or emails, or unknown individuals on social networking sites; and to check bank, credit card and phone statements regularly for unknown or unauthorized charges.

“Above all else, never give your personal or financial information to someone you don’t know,” warned Perry.