Phone Scam: Fake Calls Seek Donations for Maui’s Kaupe

Branden Kaupe (second from left) poses during an interview on Pacific Radio Group's ESPN 550 AM, KMVI. Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

While many on Maui are celebrating the news surrounding Mets draft pick Branden Kaupe, the family has received unsettling reports of a scam that is falsely seeking donations for him via unsolicited phone calls.

Family members say the caller(s) falsely identifies themselves as Kaupe’s parents or aunty.  The caller(s) has been asking for cash donations and has turned argumentative and belligerent to those who decline.

At least two reports have surfaced on Maui over the last several hours.

The 18-year-old Baldwin High School graduate was the 140th overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft.  He was selected in the fourth round by the New York Mets, becoming the second-highest draft pick from Maui County, behind Oakland Athletics catcher Kurt Suzuki.

Kaupe’s parents, Napa and Joy, say they are not and will not seek donations on behalf of their son.  “Why would we ask for money when Branden is signing for a Major League contract,” said Napa Kaupe.  “I hope whoever is doing this gets caught,” he said.

Anyone with information on the phone scam should contact Maui Police.