Each year, thousands of Hawai‘i’s beloved kūpuna (elders) fall victim to financial scams that rob them not only of their savings but also of their peace of mind. While World Elder Abuse Awareness Day passed on June 15, the need for continued awareness and action remains urgent. According to the FBI, elder fraud continues to surge nationwide—and Hawai‘i is not exempt from this alarming trend.
In 2024 alone, the FBI reported over $4.88 billion in losses from elder fraud, across more than 147,000 complaints in the U.S. That’s a 46% increase in the number of reported scams and a 43% rise in total losses compared to 2023.
In Hawai‘i, the picture is just as concerning. Local victims lost $18.85 million to scams in 2024. Shockingly, investment scams alone accounted for more than $9.8 million of those losses.
Why are elders targeted?
Scammers often see older adults as financially stable and more trusting.
Many kūpuna may be less familiar with online fraud tactics.
Victims often feel embarrassed, leading to underreporting.
The scams affecting our community are diverse and sophisticated:
Investment Scams: Fake ventures or “guaranteed return” offers.
Romance Scams: Scammers build online relationships to gain trust and then request money.
Tech Support Scams: Unsolicited calls claiming your computer is infected, urging you to grant remote access.
Money Mule Schemes: Scammers trick elders into transferring money unknowingly linked to criminal networks.
“Investment scams are particularly malicious—they prey on emotions and can wipe out a lifetime of savings,” says David Porter, FBI Honolulu’s Special Agent in Charge. Beyond the financial toll, these crimes often leave emotional scars, including shame, isolation, and fear.
Help safeguard yourself and your ‘ohana (family) by following these simple but effective steps:
Research names, phone numbers, email addresses, and offers using trusted sources like BBB.org.
Scammers pressure victims with urgency and fear. Pause and think before taking action.
Be wary of calls, texts, emails, or in-person service offers that come without your request.
Do not send money or provide financial details to anyone you have not verified.
Contact your bank immediately
Monitor your accounts
Report the crime, even if no money was lost
If you or someone you know might be a victim, act now. You can report to:
FBI Tip Line: tips.fbi.gov
Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov
FBI Honolulu Office: Call 1-800-CALL-FBI
Elder fraud is not just a crime—it’s a betrayal of the trust and aloha that defines our community. By staying informed and taking action, we can protect those who raised us, guided us, and continue to be our cultural foundation.
Share this article with your friends and family. Let’s be the shield our kūpuna deserve.
