(Hurricanes, Tropical Storms, Tornadoes, etc..)

GOOD Storm Chasers: Those who follow bad weather and provide storm strength, direction, timing and safety actions to take.  Their goal is accurate information and safety.

BAD Storm Chasers: Those who follow bad weather and appear after the storm. These Storm Chasers prey on people affected by damage and financial loss using fraudulent practices.  Their goal is to fill their bank account- not yours.

Hawaii

Tourism is over 90% of Hawaii’s industry and of course, it brings many foreign visitors.    The island population is a mix from Asia, the Philippines, Polynesian Islands, and Canada, to name a few.  This can make the task of distinguishing international fraud and ‘normal’ traffic a challenge.  Add a disaster event anywhere in the world and international calling rises considerably.

First – I must Know My Customer.  Residents’ calling traffic may be from the same numbers. But if calls are now to/from an unusual number, they may be falling for a scam and it’s time to educate on good and bad storm/disaster chasers.

Company’s call Philippine phone numbers- but probably not in the middle of the night when the company is closed.  If I’m not sure of the business, then I’ll look them up on the Internet.  Sometimes I CALL the company while the activity is happening. If I get many busy signals, then someone or some THING (knock-knock) is using all the lines (Adams Family detour!).  If the lines are all busy it’s time to don my fraud inspector’s hat and get to work.  If a human answers, then they usually appreciate my inquiry.  I have never had an upset customer for the call or thinking “Big Brother” is watching.  However, I have had to prove I wasn’t a scammer impersonating a fraudster!  I’ve had to provide another phone number at the company to confirm my identity or describe something in the area or islands to prove I’m legit. 

Hawaii has many cell phones from other countries.  A taxi company calling a Japanese number or a tow company receiving calls from a number in Germany may be a tourist or a resident.  Hospitals will suddenly have a rise in calls to Guam because of a health-related issue and hotels will have guests who call home nonstop to make sure everyone is okay when an event happens around the world.  I have to know my customer.

Laura Weaver, CFCA Board Member, Toll Fraud and SOX Auditor at Hawaiian Telcom