Police in Hawaii Sound Alarm as Crypto Scams Drain Life Savings

Crypto scammers are sweeping through Hawaii with emotionally manipulative schemes that are draining millions from victims, exploiting fake friendships and fraudulent investments in digital currency.

Crypto Scams Sweep Through Hawaii—Victims Hooked by Fake Friendships

A scam targeting older residents has prompted a public warning from the Kauai Police Department (KPD), which issued the alert from Līhuʻe on April 11. Authorities in the County of Kauai, Hawaii, are drawing attention to a type of cryptocurrency fraud in which scammers pose as romantic interests or new friends to lure victims into bogus investment schemes.

These fraudsters often make initial contact through social media, texts, or phone calls and gradually build an emotional connection before pushing their targets to invest. KPD officials stated:

However, the investment is fake, and once the victim transfers their funds, the scammers disappear with the money.

KPD described: “This type of scam, known as a ‘pig butchering’ scam, involves scammers building trust over time to emotionally manipulate victims into making financial decisions.”

​The FBI has issued several warnings about the escalating threat of pig butchering scams. In a recent case, a Maryland woman lost over $3 million after being lured into a fake crypto investment by a scammer who built trust over weeks through a messaging app. These scams often originate from Southeast Asia, where victims are contacted via social media or dating apps, and are then guided to invest in fraudulent platforms that display fictitious profits. Once significant funds are deposited, the scammers vanish, leaving victims financially devastated. The FBI reports that such schemes have led to billions in losses, with many victims unaware they were being defrauded until it’s too late. Authorities urge individuals to be cautious of unsolicited messages and to verify any investment opportunities through trusted financial advisors. ​

Red flags include unsolicited messages from strangers offering friendship or romance, unrealistic promises of high returns, encouragement to act quickly or secretly, and demands to use unfamiliar cryptocurrency tools.

Local police are urging residents to take steps to protect themselves and especially elderly family members. Officials recommend never sending money or cryptocurrency to people known only through online communication, avoiding suspicious links and apps, and discussing any financial decisions with trusted individuals. While the incident highlights dangers linked to crypto-related fraud, supporters of digital currency maintain that the underlying technology remains legitimate and secure when used properly.

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