CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department would like to inform the public of various scams involving gift cards.

SURVEY SCAM

There are reports of individuals receiving a cashier’s check in the mail. These individuals are told to cash the check, purchase gift cards from various stores, and complete a survey on their shopping experience. They are then instructed to take photographs of the gift cards and to email the information. Participants are then instructed to keep a portion of the cashier’s check for their time.

Do not participate in any surveys that include a check and instruct you to purchase gift cards. We are seeing more scams involving gift cards because they are more difficult to track.

SWEEPSTAKES SCAM

There are reports of people receiving telephone calls from the Publisher’s Clearing House, stating they’ve won a substantial amount of money. The individuals are instructed to send a processing fee by paying with gift cards. Sweepstakes winners do not have to pay to receive their winnings. Do not give personal information to someone who has called you and do not send money, by any means, to receive your winnings.

Anyone with information about these scams is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300. The public may now send anonymous web tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips App.