Maui Police Warn of Phone Scam Claiming DEA Affiliation

The Maui Police Department is warning the public of a phone scam in which the caller claims to be a Drug Enforcement Administration agent.

Police say a female reported receiving a call from a male claiming to be a DEA agent. The male reportedly informed the female that there is a warrant out for her arrest and instructed her to send $5,000. The female was further instructed to go to Target and purchase $5,000 worth of gift cards and was told someone would call her to verify the male’s identity.

Police said That shortly after the female received a call from a number that is spoofed to be the Maui Police Department’s Records Section at (808)244-6355. Police say the male identified himself as a “Mr. Paulson” and instructed the female to follow the supposed DEA agent’s instructions.

The Maui Police Department issued an advisory detailing the scam and said the department will not call the public to turn themselves in for any arrest warrant nor will they ask for cash payment over the phone.

The public is advised not to give out any personal information or send cash. Individuals receiving suspicious scam calls should hang up and call police at (808)244-6400.