Author: Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

  • Profiting From a Giving Heart

    With Thanksgiving approaching, we are reminded to be appreciative of what we have; oftentimes, this leads to opening up our hearts (and wallets) to those in need. Unfortunately, there are those who would use dishonesty to profit from a giving heart. Earlier this year the Federal Trade Commission and Attorneys General of 50 states prosecuted and…

  • Who You Gonna Call? Scambusters!

    In the movie Ghostbusters, when someone needed help with anything paranormal (ghosts, demons … or maybe even night marchers), there was only one number to call — Ghostbusters! Unfortunately, when a person suspects fraud or financial scams going on, there are a variety of agencies that handle different aspects of this dishonest behavior. As we…

  • Calling the Police: It’s Called ‘Tough Love’

    Wanda (not her real name) took out a home equity loan on her Waianae house. She intended to renovate her home so that her adult daughter could move in, care for Wanda and help repay the loan. Once the $290,000 was in their joint checking account, however, her daughter withdrew it and took her family…

  • For Love … of Money: Sham Marriages

    When it comes to love and relationships, we are particularly protective of our elders. We scrutinize new companions who come into their lives; when our kupuna decide to marry, we get concerned about the new partner’s intentions. Stephanie (not her real name) called my office, she was panicked. She just discovered a life her father…

  • Cons Prey on Good Intentions

    For hours, Elaine (not her real name), age 69, sat on the lanai of her Pearl City townhouse waiting. She was told that at any moment, the governor was going to arrive and present her with a new car and a check for $2 million. During this time, her adult son was yelling because he…

  • Recognizing Warning Signs Of Abuse

    Recently, I appeared on the Generations Radio Show (Saturdays from 5 to 6 pm on AM 690) aired November 22 and can be heard at www.Generations808.com) with Lt. John McCarthy of the Financial Crimes Unit of the Honolulu Police Department. With 39 years of police department experience, he is nationally recognized as an expert in…

  • The Accidental Caregiver

    You love your family and you are good at your job. This does not mean, however, you will make a good caregiver for a loved one. Being an accomplished professional, expert or an akamai homemaker does not prepare you for the sudden responsibility of a full time caregiver. For instance, I love my father-in-law and…

  • When Home is Anything But Sweet

    Hawaii has the largest number of Homeowner’s Associations (HOA) per capita than other state. In these structured communities, residents agree when purchasing their homes to follow certain rules to ensure a certain quality of life is maintained for residents. They pay monthly fees to maintain amenities like, common areas, landscaping and pools, also other expenses,…

  • Two Days in the Summer

    The Fourth of July is the cornerstone of summer. It is a date where families will get together; BBQ’s will occur; and fireworks will be watched. Memories of our youth will resurface, and stories of our nation’s birth will be told. Independence Day being on Friday this year, will turn the weekend into a three-day…

  • The Professional Criminal Magician

    Financial abuse of seniors oftentimes goes unreported. Studies have estimated that as few as 1 in 30 cases are brought to the attention of authorities. There are many reasons why these matters don’t get reported. The two main reasons for none reporting are: the abuser is a family member and the victim doesn’t want to…