Honolulu Warns Residents of Impersonation Scam
The city says scammers are impersonating municipal officials to demand fraudulent payments for permits.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting is warning residents about a rise in scams where individuals impersonate city officials to solicit payments. Fraudulent emails have targeted residents by demanding money for building permit applications or notices of violation.
Why it matters
Criminals are using urgent language and threats of outstanding fines to pressure residents into paying for nonexistent city violations. These scams jeopardize public trust and pose a significant financial risk to local property owners.
Impersonating a public servant with the intent to induce action is a criminal offense under Hawaii Revised Statutes §710-1016. The city is currently investigating these reports and reminds residents that it does not accept payments via wire transfer.
The players
Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting
This local government agency is responsible for overseeing building permit applications and zoning compliance within Honolulu.
The details
Scammers are sending emails containing official-looking logos and specific property details to appear legitimate. Residents should verify any notice by checking that the sender email ends in honolulu.gov or by calling 808-768-8000.
Timeline
Reports of impersonation have been received by the department in recent months.
Legal Context
These reports underscore the ongoing challenge of maintaining public safety against fraud within the local jurisdiction. By citing Hawaii Revised Statutes §710-1016, authorities demonstrate their focus on using established penal codes to deter impersonation schemes.
Residents should treat any email demanding wire transfers for permit fees or violations as highly suspicious. If you receive a questionable notice, contact the city directly at 808-768-8000 instead of responding to the email or clicking embedded links.
The takeaway
Always verify the legitimacy of official correspondence by checking the sender address for a government domain. If a notice contains urgent threats or demands for wire transfers, contact the department directly using a verified phone number.
Further reading
For more on how to stay safe from digital fraud, visit the Financial Crime section.
More information
To verify permit status or make legitimate payments, visit the HNL Build official payment portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hawaiinewsnow.
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