Hawai'i County police are warning the public about an e-mail and identity theft scam.

Police said a Hamakua man received a frantic request through e-mail on Tuesday from what he believed to be an authentic e-mail address of a family friend. The friend said that she was in London, where her bags containing her passport and wallet had been stolen leaving her broke and helpless. She requested that the man send her $700 through Western Union.

Thinking that this sounded suspicious, the man e-mailed her a question that he believed only his friend could answer. The suspect replied and gave the correct answer, so the Hamakua man sent the money.

It is unknown how the person in England gained access to the e-mail account and contact list and past e-mail history so that she could provide the correct answer to the question.

Police urged people to be cautious when replying to suspicious e-mails, and that they check with the request or family prior to sending money.

Anyone with questions or information about the scam may call Officer Roylen Valera at the Hamakua Police Station in Honoka'a at 808-775-7533.CQ