Police Investigate False Reports Regarding Police Arrests

After receiving information from the community regarding images and posts circulating online about Hawai‘i Police Department arresting agricultural and retail workers in west Hawai‘i, police investigated the matter and determined the photo and information is false.

On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, police were notified by members of the public regarding a photo reportedly showing a Border Patrol vehicle at a business establishment in west Hawai‘i. Police received information that four individuals were recently arrested in the South Kona area as well.

Upon investigation, police traced the photo to a website well-known to law enforcement for spreading misinformation. Additionally, Hawai‘i Police Department personnel did not arrest individuals in South Kona in the circumstances that were reported.

With the ability to manipulate images and the use of artificial intelligence increasing, police encourage members of the public to be vigilant against scammers and to do their own research on photos and information that may be inflammatory in nature.

Here are a few tips:

1. Do a reverse image search if you suspect a photo is from a scammer.
2. Go to Google Image Search
3. Click the camera icon
4. Upload or drag an image into the search bar
5. You can also paste a web address

What can a reverse image search show you? 

• If the image is used on multiple profiles with different names
• If the image is used on stock photo websites
• When and where the image was taken
• Who took the image
  
  Attempt to validate information.
• Review the post and see if you can answer: who, what, when, where, why, and how. Legitimate posts will usually be able to provide these answers.
• Scammers will use vague terms or locations that can’t be verified or validated.
  
  Check for a scammer by looking out for these red flags:
• Anonymous posting
• Requests for sensitive personal information or money 
• Requests to speak on a chat app of their choice 
• Being contacted out of the blue 
• Being asked to act quickly 
• A new social media profile with few friends or followers 
  
  If you witness something that you believe to be suspicious:
• Notify Police Dispatch at (808) 935-3311 and provide relevant information so an officer can investigate.
• If the situation is an emergency call 911.