LIHU‘E – The Kaua‘i Police Department has renewed its warnings about a counterfeit jewelry operation that may be active on island.
A series of jewelry scams have been occurring on Maui and O‘ahu, and KPD was alerted to a potential scam on Kaua‘i last week.
In most of these cases, police say scammers approached people in public places and residences, attempting to sell jewelry that they advertised as rare or antique.
The group of scammers told victims they were visitors and would sell their jewelry at a fraction of their value because they were in need of money for various reasons — including that they had lost their wallet, or their IDs were stolen. Victims later discovered the pieces they purchased were fake.
“Unfortunately, these scammers prey on the good-hearted nature of Hawai‘i’s people and we ask that the public stay vigilant to avoid being victimized by these thieves,” said Lt. Kennison Nagahisa of the Investigative Services Bureau.
“Anyone who encounters subjects exhibiting these suspicious actions should immediately report it to KPD and if possible, try to get a description of the subjects and any vehicle they may be operating.”
These incidents bear resemblance to scams that took place in August 2022, when KPD said they discovered a group of men selling counterfeit jewelry. Four men were arrested and later released without being charged.
Those who have fallen victim to this jewelry scam or suspect suspicious activity can contact Kaua‘i police dispatch immediately at 808-241-1711.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can provide information by calling Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i at 808-246-8300, submitting a tip at cskauai.org, or through the Crime Stoppers Kaua‘i P3 Tips Mobile App, available for download on Android and Apple mobile devices.
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Guthrie Scrimgeour, reporter, can be reached at 808-647-0329 or gscrimgeour@thegardenisland.com.
