Investment fraud hotline available

• The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announces a new toll-free hotline for reporting investment fraud.

The department urges all consumers to call the Securities Enforcement Branch at 877-447-2267 to report a fraud.

In addition to this toll-free line, the department is also proposing a bill to increase the penalties for securities violations committed against Hawai‘i’s elders.

Improving public access and strengthening the laws are part of the Lingle-Aiona administration’s continued effort to increase the protection for all Hawai‘i consumers.