No, the Office of Consumer Protection isn't trying to scam you

Updated: Sep. 17, 2018 at 3:08 PM HST
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - No, the executive director of the state Office of Consumer Protection doesn't want your money.

The latest scam targeting social media users wants you to think so, though.

The office said scammers are posing online as Consumer Protection Executive Director Stephen Levins in a bid to bilk people.

The scammers are targeting consumers who are strapped for cash.

Scammers entice consumers with photos of money or high-end items on social media and guarantee secret knowledge of a special investment that ensures a large return. Consumers are instructed to send money, usually in the form of prepaid money card, that the scammer says will be used to double or triple the consumer's investment. Once the money is sent, the scammer then ceases contact with the consumer and pockets the money.

"Don't fall for this scam," Levins said, in a news release. "Scammers routinely impersonate governmental agencies and officials to bilk consumers."

Levins said the Office of Consumer Protection will never request that a consumer send it money via an email or telephone call. If you get contacted from someone claiming to be a governmental agency asking for money don't send it.

To avoid being scammed, here are some tips from the Office of Consumer Protection:

  • If a follower or “friend” on social media offers a scheme to double your money or asks to send payment by prepaid money card, ignore the offer and delete them from your account.
  • Never give out personal information, such as your Social Security Number, to a stranger on social media, the phone, or email.
  • Never wire money through Western Union, MoneyGram, or any other wire service to a person you do not know.
  • Never purchase gift or prepaid money cards for the purpose of providing the card numbers to someone else.
  • Immediately contact the Office of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission if you suspect that you’re dealing with a scammer.

If you do feel like you've been scammed click here to send an email to the Office of Consumer Protection.

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