A
new wave of real estate scams is targeting investors in Hawaiʻi, officials warn. Scammers are posing as government entities and sending out false information to lure people into investment schemes.

    The State Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) reports that scammers are sending letters claiming to be from a government agency, offering fake investment opportunities in local real estate through impersonated real estate firms. These letters often contain false market assessments designed to convince potential buyers to invest.

    One recent report involved a scam letter from the "Hawaii Real Estate Department and Agencies," a non-existent government entity. The letter featured unauthorized use of the state seal and logo, as well as the name of actor Jason Momoa, who was impersonated in an attempt to make the scam more believable. Momoa has since spoken out against the scam, warning people not to fall for it.

    Legitimate real estate investment businesses will never ask individuals to pay cash on the spot or require payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency. To avoid falling victim to these scams, individuals should be cautious of pressure to act quickly and verify the legitimacy of any business before proceeding.

    Impersonating a state agency is a serious crime that will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The DCCA emphasizes that it does not engage in solicitation of any kind and reminds the public that unsolicited offers or suspicious communications should be reported immediately.

    Anyone who receives such an offer can report it to the Consumer Resource Center at 808-587-4272, or via email at [email protected]. The DCCA urges people to gather as much information as possible before reporting any suspicious activity.