HAWAII, Hawaii (KHON2) -- The Hawaiʻi Police Department is issuing a warning to the public after receiving reports of unknown individuals calling Big Island residents posing as HPD officers. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The scammers are informing residents that they are from HPD and calling in regards to an important ongoing legal matter. In some instances, the scammers are asking residents to buy Apple gift cards in order to resolve the imaginary legal matter. Big Island police asking for public’s help locating missing woman To prevent yourself from falling victim to these scams, HPD is suggesting the following: Verify the caller's identity by requesting the full name, identification number and contact information of the caller. Actual law enforcement officers will provide this without hesitation. Credentials can also be verified by contacting HPD at (808) 935-3311 or the agency they claim to represent. Refrain from sharing personal information such as banking details, Social Security number or other sensitive data over the phone unless you are absolutely certain about the identity of the caller. Beware of urgent or coercive tactics created by scammers. They often create a sense of urgency, or threaten arrest, fines or other legal consequences to pressure victims into revealing personal information. Educate yourself and others by sharing this information with your community. Know that HPD will never ask for payment of any kind over the phone. Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here If you receive a phone call of this nature, HPD is advising residents to hang up and call police dispatch at (808) 935-3311.