Kūpuna Fraud Awareness: Stay Safe, Stay Informed in Hawai‘i

Each year, billions of dollars are stolen from older adults across the U.S., and our beloved kūpuna in Hawai‘i are not immune. Whether through phone calls, emails, texts, mail, or even TV and radio ads, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to defraud seniors of their savings and personal information.

This blog is here to help the Hawai‘i community—especially our kūpuna and their ‘ohana—recognize fraud, resist manipulation, and know exactly how to respond.

Why Do Scammers Target Kūpuna?

Scammers often focus on adults over the age of 60 because they assume:

• Kūpuna are more trusting and polite.
• They may be financially stable.
• Victims often hesitate to report fraud due to shame, confusion, or fear of burdening their family.

This makes awareness and community support essential to stopping these crimes.

Common Scams Affecting Hawai‘i’s Kūpuna

Here are some of the most reported scams targeting older adults in our local communities:

• Romance Scams – Fake online relationships used to manipulate emotions and request money.
• Tech Support Scams – Scammers pose as IT professionals to gain access to devices and banking information.
• Grandparent Scams – A caller pretends to be a grandchild in urgent need of money.
• Government Impersonation – Fraudsters pose as officials from Medicare, Social Security, or the IRS.
• Lottery/Sweepstakes Scams – Victims are told they’ve won but must pay to claim the prize.
• Home Repair Scams – Unlicensed contractors charge for work they never do.
• TV/Radio Fraud Ads – Deceptive ads for reverse mortgages, credit repair, or debt relief.
• Family or Caregiver Fraud – Heartbreakingly, trusted individuals may exploit or steal from kūpuna.

Tips to Stay Safe

Protecting our kūpuna means staying alert and prepared. Here’s how:

• Hang up on suspicious calls – Don’t engage or share information.
• Take your time – Real emergencies don’t require rushed decisions.
• Avoid unknown links and pop-ups – Shut down your device if you’re unsure.
• Use strong passwords and antivirus software – Digital hygiene matters.
• Never pay with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency – These are major scam indicators.
• Create a family code word – To verify real emergencies.
• Talk to someone you trust – If something feels “off,” it probably is.

What To Do If You Suspect Fraud

If you or someone you love may be a victim of fraud, act immediately:

• Report to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov

  Include:

  • Scammer’s name and contact info
  • Dates and methods of communication
  • Description of the incident
  • Payment details (method, amount, where sent)
  • Save all documents, emails, messages.

SMP Hawai‘i: Your Local Ally in the Fight Against Fraud

Since 1997, SMP Hawai‘i (Senior Medicare Patrol) has helped kūpuna across the islands detect and report healthcare fraud, billing errors, and scams.

📞 Call: 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email: info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit: www.smphawaii.org

Mālama Our Kūpuna: Let’s Stand Together

Protecting kūpuna starts with education. By sharing these resources and having open conversations with the elders in your life, you help create a safer, more connected Hawai‘i. Fraud thrives in silence—let’s bring it to light, together.