2026-55 DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS PUBLIC TO BE ALERT FOR SCAMS FOLLOWING HURRICANE LOWELL

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

ANNE LOPEZ

ATTORNEY GENERAL

LOIO KUHINA

DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNS PUBLIC TO BE ALERT FOR SCAMS FOLLOWING HURRICANE LOWELL

News Release 2026-55

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sept. 15, 2025

HONOLULU — The Department of the Attorney General is warning residents to be alert for scams in the wake of Hurricane Lowell and the significant damage caused on Kauaʻi.

Scammers may attempt to take advantage of people seeking assistance, as well as those wanting to help, through fraudulent charities and crowdfunding campaigns, home repair and contractor scams, or by impersonating government agencies and relief organizations.

“People on Kauaʻi as well as across the state are dealing with the impacts of recent devastating storms and many people are looking for ways to help,” said Attorney General Anne Lopez. “Unfortunately, disasters can also create opportunities for scammers. We encourage everyone to take the time to verify who they are dealing with before donating money, providing personal information or paying for services.”

Before giving, residents should confirm a charity’s status using the following resources:

Additional guidance on spotting fraudulent social media and crowdfunding appeals is available on the Federal Trade Commission website. The department also recommends donors take the following precautions:

• Be cautious of unsolicited requests for money or personal information.
  • Government agencies and legitimate relief organizations will not pressure people.
• Verify who organized the campaign and give only to fundraisers run by people you personally know and trust.
• Trace where the donation link leads and check with the person who shared it to confirm they have a real connection to the charity or organizer.
• Look for clear answers to the following before contributing:
  • Destination: Who ultimately receives the donation?
  • Fees: Does the platform or organizer deduct any fees before the funds are passed along?
  • Timeline: How long will it take for the charity to receive the funds?
  • Contingency: What happens to the donation if it cannot be delivered to the intended charity?
  • Privacy: Could a donor’s personal information be shared with the charity or other third parties?

If a charity cannot answer these questions clearly, donors should consider giving directly to an established, registered charity instead.

The department also reminds individuals and businesses planning a fundraising event – such as selling T-shirts or merchandise or staging a 5k run or other athletic event – on behalf of a charity, that state law requires written consent from that charity before the event takes place. Consent forms can be submitted to the Department of the Attorney General through its online form.

Charities, in turn, should confirm that any fundraiser conducted in their name has been properly authorized. Charities are also reminded to comply with registration and reporting requirements under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 467B. Further details are posted on the Tax & Charities Division website.

To report a suspected charity scam or a questionable fundraiser, contact the Tax & Charities Division at 808-586-1480 or [email protected].

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