Police Warn Public To Beware Of Online Scams

The police are reminding the public to remain vigilant against a new social media scam that has already deceived at least three people locally and to disregard any email claiming to be from a local bank that requests verification of online banking credentials.

A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a new social media scam currently in circulation that has already deceived at least three people locally this week.

“Residents are recruited through an Instagram account belonging to a person, purporting to be Jessie_Jae_Allen, that solicits the transfer of no less than $200 to Jamaica via Blue Nile Services, an agent of Western Union.

“The person transferring the funds is then informed that any monies sent will be invested in currency exchanges and that they can expect immediate payouts of up to $7,500.

“After sending the funds to Jamaica, the individual sending the money is provided with a tracking number, which they are told can be used to collect their investment funds.

“However, this tracking number is fictitious and any attempts to recover monies are unsuccessful.

“Blue Nile Services reported this scam to police and are assisting with relevant inquiries.

“In a separate recurring scam, one person has recently reported being deceived by a phishing email that appeared to be from a local bank:

–example–

Dear Valued Customer,
Please be advised that your online banking profile has been migrated to the new Online platform, you are required to complete a mandatory verification  To continue using the new Online services.
Enter here to continue >>>
Note: account not verified soon may be disconnected from online service.

Kind regards,
Online Help Desk
Reference Number is 706874.

–example–

“Members of the public are reminded to disregard any email claiming to be from a local bank that requests verification of online banking credentials or username and password details because of software upgrades – as such emails are undoubtedly fake.

“Also, in a similar recurring scam, one person has recently reported being deceived by a phishing email that claimed to be from a local internet services company. The deceptive email provided a link for the recipient to apply email settings to avoid being locked out of their email account.

“These phishing emails are used to obtain personal information and other sensitive data and should be ignored.

“Any incidents of suspected internet fraud should be reported to the Financial Crime Unit on telephone number 247-1757 or via the e-mail address fraud2@bps.bm.

“Advice on how to avoid and report scams can also be found here.”

#Scams

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