KAHULUI, Hawaii — The Maui Police Department became aware of a recurring scam involving spoofed phone calls and issued a warning to residents to be vigilant earlier in the week.

The ongoing scam involves scammers claiming to be a representative from the Maui Police Department. The caller tells residents that there is a warrant, missed jury duty or some other legal sanction pending against them, according to a news release.

Scammers use a technique called spoofing in which they manipulate caller ID information, so it looks like a call is coming from a legitimate source such as the police department, government agency, financial institution or even a known contact.

Scammers often impersonate representatives from trusted organizations to trick individuals into transferring money or sharing personal information.

The police remind the public that a legitimate organization would not seek payment for a service or penalty fee over the phone or request payment using a gift card or cash. Also, no law enforcement or other government agency would clear warrants or other legal sanctions over the phone or request your financial information over the phone.

A few tips:

• Do not provide any information to a caller.

• Do not ask them to verify their identity or agency they’re allegedly representing because it will sound official.

• Do not contact the email or number if any are provided. Contact the organization directly via the official website.

• If you received a call or message from someone claiming to be with a federal agency but did not answer or return the call, report the incident to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center website.

• If you answered the call and gave personal information or sent money/gift cards, report the incident to the FBI and the Maui Police Department at 808-244-6400.