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DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
REIKO MATSUYAMA, MANAGING DIRECTOR
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News Release
For Immediate Release: April 30, 2026
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COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
CHELSIE SAKAI, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4200
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Finance Department warns public of court and DMV phishing text scam
LĪHU‘E – The Finance Department is warning the public about a phishing scam involving fraudulent text messages that falsely claim to be from a Hawai‘i court or traffic enforcement agency and attempt to collect payment through deceptive notices.
The scam messages are being sent from unknown phone numbers and may include images designed to look like official government notices. Recent examples falsely reference the “State of Hawai‘i,” traffic violations, enforcement action, unpaid tolls, court-ordered compliance, or pending fines. Some messages contain inaccurate or suspicious details, including references to agencies or locations that do not exist in Hawai‘i.
The messages are intended to create urgency and pressure recipients into clicking payment links, scanning QR codes, or providing personal and financial information. The messages are also not affiliated with the County of Kaua‘i, the State of Hawai‘i Judiciary, the County Division of Motor Vehicles, or any legitimate government agency.
The Finance Department reminds residents that official DMV communications do not request payment through unsolicited text messages, third-party websites, or unfamiliar web addresses.
The Finance Department urges the public to be aware of the following:
- Do not click on links, scan QR codes, or respond to unsolicited text messages claiming to be from the DMV.
- Do not provide personal, financial, or vehicle information through unknown websites.
- Verify your vehicle registration or citation status directly with the County DMV by emailing kauaidmv@kauai.gov or calling 808-241-4242.
Report phishing attempts to the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Residents are reminded that all official DMV notices come directly from government offices and will never demand immediate payment through suspicious links or non-government websites.
For more information, please contact the Division of Motor Vehicles at 808-241-4242 or visit www.kauai.gov/DMV.
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Media Contact:
If you are a member of the media with an inquiry for the County of Kaua‘i, its departments or representatives, please email the County of Kaua‘i's Communications Team at CountyPIO@kauai.gov to ensure a timely response to your request. Mahalo!
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