T
he Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) has issued a warning about a real estate scam targeting unsuspecting investors. The scammers have been sending fake letters claiming to come from government entities, including the DCCA, in an attempt to convince people to invest in non-existent properties.

    One recent letter was particularly convincing, featuring a forged signature from DCCA Director Nadine Ando and using the state of Hawaii seal without authorization. The letter also included a logo for a fake real estate investment company called "Welfare Estate," which promised unusually high returns on investments alongside actor Jason Momoa.

    However, Momoa has denied any involvement with the scam, stating that he is not associated with any real estate firms and urging people to be cautious of such schemes. The DCCA notes that legitimate businesses will never ask for immediate cash payments or use payment methods like gift cards or cryptocurrency.

    In fact, these tactics are often used by scammers to pressure victims into making hasty decisions. To avoid falling victim to these scams, the DCCA advises individuals to verify the legitimacy of any business before investing and to be wary of unsolicited offers that seem too good to be true.

    The DCCA is currently investigating the recent letter and warns that impersonating a state agency or public servant is a serious crime that will be prosecuted. Unfortunately, real estate investor scams are becoming increasingly common in Hawaii, so it's essential for residents to stay informed and look out for one another.