In Hawaii, we understand the power of ohana—family connected by blood or by the spirit of the calabash family. Our communities are built on trust, connection, and looking out for one another. That same sense of community can also serve as a powerful defense against scams.
Today’s scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Criminals use phone calls, emails, fake checks, and online messages to target individuals—especially older adults. But when people maintain strong relationships with trusted professionals and community members, these scams are much harder to succeed.
Local connections can often stop fraud before it ever causes harm.
When you have a relationship with the people who serve your community—such as bank tellers, branch managers, healthcare providers, and local service professionals—they get to know you and your normal routines.
This familiarity allows them to recognize when something seems unusual.
For example, if a regular customer suddenly tries to withdraw or transfer a large amount of money after receiving a suspicious phone call or message, a trusted bank employee may notice the change and ask questions. These small moments of awareness can prevent devastating financial losses.
A recent case in Florida highlights how powerful community awareness can be.
A bank teller at South State Bank in Orlando noticed something unusual when a man attempted to cash a $24,980 check. Trusting their instincts, the teller contacted authorities, suspecting the check might be connected to fraud.
Police later discovered that the situation was tied to a scam targeting a 71-year-old man, who had been tricked into writing two checks totaling $50,000.
According to investigators, the victim had been told that his computer showed an overpayment of $150,000, and he was instructed to send money back using checks. He was also told not to tell anyone, a common tactic scammers use to isolate their victims.
Fortunately, the teller’s quick thinking helped expose the scam before more damage could occur.
Law enforcement officials say these types of scams are becoming increasingly common, particularly when criminals target older adults.
Many scams share similar warning signs. Being aware of them can help you or someone you care about avoid becoming a victim.
Common red flags include:
If something feels unusual or rushed, it’s important to pause and verify the situation.
One of the biggest advantages of living in a close community is having people you can rely on for guidance.
If you receive a suspicious call, email, or financial request, consider reaching out to someone you trust, such as:
Even a quick conversation can help confirm whether something is legitimate.
Police officials often encourage people to ask questions rather than remain silent. In many cases, simply checking with a trusted person can prevent a scam from moving forward.
Scammers depend on secrecy and isolation. They often pressure victims to act quickly and discourage them from discussing the situation with others.
But strong communities break that cycle.
When neighbors talk with each other, when families stay connected, and when local professionals know their customers, suspicious activity becomes easier to detect.
In Hawaii, our culture of talk story, trust, and shared responsibility creates a natural defense against fraud.
Preventing scams isn’t just about protecting individual finances—it’s about protecting our entire community.
By staying connected and supporting one another, we can reduce the risk of fraud and help keep our families safe.
So take a moment to strengthen those local relationships:
And if something ever feels off, don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Together, as one ohana, we can stop scams before they start.
