The Honolulu Star-Advertiser Kokua Line column [The Honolulu Star-Advertiser]

Aug. 16--Question: Can you warn people about a scam involving a bicyclist? At about 9 a.m.July 25, my daughter was leaving Kam Shopping Center when a man riding a bicycle appeared in front of her car and "acted" by falling off his bike, then ranted that she had hit him. In fact, she had not even moved her car, but he threatened to call police unless she paid him some money. My daughter was frightened and confused. He then told her she would be wise to simply pay him $500 so her insurance premiums wouldn't skyrocket and her husband wouldn't be so angry. When she hesitated, he called or pretended to call HPD on his cellphone. Shortly after this he said, "The cops not going come for a while, so you should pay me and get going on your way." My daughter told him she didn't have much cash, and he said there was an ATM nearby. Reluctantly, but foolishly, she drove there, withdrew the cash and paid him. An HPD car then appeared, and the man told my daughter he would talk to the officer, away from her presence. The officer then came over and told her she was free to go, it was settled and there would be no police report. It's likely that this person has performed this act before, probably selecting young women or seniors because they are vulnerable.

Question: Can you alert readers about what appears to be a scam? My husband has seen this happen a couple of times, between 10 and 11:30 p.m., in the 1300 block of Young Street, while walking our dogs. A guy on a bicycle is in a driveway, facing the street. A car approaches, slowing down to stop because of a red light. Guy on a bicycle suddenly hurls himself into the side of the car and falls to the ground. The guy, obviously not seriously injured, is talking and gesturing to the driver. My husband surmises that the bicyclist is asking the driver for money so that the bicyclist will "forget the incident ever happened." He's also seen apparently homeless guys in the Keeaumoku Street area staging similar "accidents."

Answer: The Honolulu Police Department says it has received "a few reports" since the beginning of the year involving bicyclists claiming to be injured but that "it's hard to say whether the incidents were scams."

In such a situation, "the motorist is caught between a rock and a hard place," said Maj. Roy Sugimoto, commander of HPD's District 1 (Downtown-Chinatown).

The "collision" appears to be the driver's fault, and he/she does not want insurance payments to go up, so a payment is made.

While all the incidents described appear to have been staged, HPD isn't necessarily sounding the alarm.

"These cases are difficult because it is uncertain if the situation is a scam or whether the parties simply had a different perception or recollection of what occurred," Sugimoto said. "Further complicating the situation is the fact that mutual agreements are not uncommon.There are many times when the two parties in a collision will not call for police and mutually agree on some type of resolution, usually a monetary resolution. These may be legitimate, and it is up to the motorist to decide."

He advised anyone who feels they are being scammed to call 911 and make a police report.

"In many instances a scam artist will want to avoid police contact," Sugimoto said. Beyond that, "The motorist may then go through their insurance company for any further action."

MAHALO

To a wonderful young local couple who, during an evening stroll, found a family member's vehicle title certificate that had blown into the bushes near Maryknoll School. You have such good hearts to have made the effort to locate the owner and return it promptly. You saved someone much grief. There is karma: May you find much happiness in your lives. -- Grateful Neighbor

Write to "Kokua Line" at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.

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