Scam Alert: Fake Texts Are Circulating
We want to make you aware of a scam that is currently targeting people across the states.
Fraudsters are sending text messages, one example claims to be a “Hawaii District Court Traffic Violation Summons.” The message looks official. It includes a fake case number and an officer, judge, and clerk with local-sounding names, and it demands immediate payment to avoid arrest, license suspension, and asset seizure. It then links to a website that is not a real government site.
Keep in mind:
• Courts and government agencies do not text you demanding immediate payment.
• They will never threaten instant arrest or ask you to pay through a link.
• Real court and government websites end in .gov. Most scams use a lookalike address.
• The urgency and threats are designed to scare you into acting before you think.
If you receive a message like this, do not click the link, do not reply, and do not send any money or personal information. You can simply delete it. If you want to be sure, call us first and we will help you check it out.
A reminder: Regency Capital, Charles Schwab, and your other financial institutions will never ask you to send payment or sensitive information through a text link like this.
Please share this with family and friends, especially kupuna, who are often the target of these schemes. We are always happy to be a second set of eyes if anything ever looks suspicious.
About the Author
Kawika Shoji is an investment advisor and portfolio manager at Regency Capital Management. He advises individuals, families, retirement plans, and institutions to assess, develop, and implement their investment and financial goals.
