Another Warning About Scams On Social Media
The police have issued yet another warning about deceptive social media accounts impersonating Government officials.
There have been repeated warnings over these fake accounts, which have been been a problem since 2017, and involve the scammer[s] starting accounts purporting to be Ministers, MP and at least one former MP, with the fake accounts repeatedly sending messages to locals trying to solicit money under the guise of various programmes.
A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service continues to advise members of the public to be vigilant regarding deceptive social media accounts impersonating Government officials.
“These fake social media profiles are being used to contact individuals and make demands of money for alleged Government initiatives and proposals.
“In one recent example a request alluded to the Bermuda Government offering grants and if persons were interested, they should send $700 to an undisclosed location via FedEx and in return, they would receive a $50,000 grant.
“Residents should be aware that this is a scam and are advised to verify any online messages they may receive claiming to be from a member of parliament – by calling the Government of Bermuda on 295-5151.
“Ask to speak with a Department of Communications representative regarding the supposed online proposal or initiative before divulging any personal information.
“Anyone with any information regarding the individual[s] creating or using these fraudulent social media accounts is asked to contact the main police telephone number 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline 800-8477.
“NB this is a serious matter and we would like for the media outlets to continue to highlight this”
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Must think we are easy targets after last election.
Why not go make good use of all your sour grapes & go make some wine.
And another thing….if you start to notice that bags of trash you put out early, before collection day, are disappearing don’t think someone is just being nice and disposing them for you, they aren’t. Guys are grabbing people’s trash and searching through them looking for bank statements or any personal info. They sell the info to their buddies in the UK/US/etc and then the scam attempts will really begin in earnest. Be careful out there…..and only put out your trash the day they are collecting if you can.
On a more serious note, these are not the laughing matter faxes from Nigeria used to be. These are in the (purported) name of a Cabinet Minister and look authentic. They not only seek do scam money, they can lower the estimation of a Cabinet Minister (no matter the party) in the eyes of the recipient.
I do hope the person behind these scams is caught and incarcerated for a long time … preferably in a Jamaican prison.