Don’t get tricked this Halloween: DPP warns of ongoing email scam
HONOLULU — This Halloween, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) is warning residents, property owners, contractors and permit applicants to beware of a different kind of trick-or-treater: scammers masquerading as City officials and attempting to frighten unsuspecting victims into sending money.
In recent months, DPP has received reports of scammers impersonating City or DPP officials and sending fraudulent emails demanding payment for Notices of Violation (NOVs) or building permit applications.
These scammers may be wearing digital disguises, using official-looking notices, invoices, City logos and even details about properties or permit applications to make their emails appear legitimate. But behind the disguise are fraudulent email addresses and requests for payments that have nothing to do with DPP.
“These emails can look convincing, especially when they use my name or include official-looking documents or details about your property or permit application,” said DPP Director Dawn Takeuchi Apuna. “We encourage everyone to pause and verify before responding or sending money. If something seems suspicious, contact DPP directly. Taking a few extra minutes to confirm a request can help protect you from a scam. The only thing these scammers should be getting this Halloween is caught.”
Don’t Fall for These Tricks
DPP encourages the public to watch for these warning signs:
- Beware of imposters in disguise. Check the sender’s full email address. A familiar name, City logo or official-looking document does not guarantee authenticity. Legitimate City emails typically end in honolulu.gov, and official notifications may also come through HNL Build.
- Don’t be spooked into paying. Scammers may use threatening language, urgent deadlines or claims of outstanding fines to pressure recipients into sending money without verification.
- Watch out for frightening payment requests. DPP will never request payment by wire transfer. Any request to wire money is a major red flag.
- Don’t click on mysterious links. Avoid opening suspicious attachments or clicking unfamiliar links. Access HNL Build directly through DPP’s official website.
- Unmask suspicious fees. Verify any outstanding permit fees by logging directly into HNL Build. When fees are ready for payment, a notification and payment button will appear in the system.
Keep your personal information out of the wrong hands. Never provide financial or personal information in response to an unverified payment request.
No Tricks, Just the Facts: How DPP Collects Payments
Legitimate DPP fines may be paid online through HNL Build or by mailing or delivering a check to DPP’s office on the seventh floor of the Frank F. Fasi Municipal Building.
Checks should be payable to the City and County of Honolulu, include the Notice of Order number, and be mailed or delivered to:
Department of Planning and Permitting
650 South King Street, 7th Floor
Honolulu, Hawaiʻi 96813
Anyone who receives a suspicious email claiming to be from DPP should contact the department directly at dpp@honolulu.gov or (808) 768-8000 to verify its authenticity.
Impersonating a City Official Is No Prank
While Halloween costumes may be harmless fun, impersonating a government official to deceive others is a serious matter.
Under Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes §710-1016, impersonating a public servant with the intent to induce another person to act in reliance on that false authority is a criminal offense. Individuals engaging in such conduct may be subject to criminal investigation and prosecution.
DPP reminds the public that scammers may change their disguises, but the warning signs remain the same.
What Does a Scam Email Look Like?
Below is an actual example of a recent scam email sent to a permit applicant. Although it may appear official, the email requests payment by wire transfer, which is something DPP will never require.
Remember: A convincing disguise doesn’t make an email legitimate.
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