Police Issue Yet Another Advisory About Scams
The police have issued yet another advisory about a scam, this one claiming that “$800,000 in prize money from ‘Samsung’ has been won,” with the police noting they are “aware of one elderly local man” who “has so far sent $65,000″ and said it ”is suspected that overseas fraudsters have swindled more local residents.”
A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] is once again advising members of the public that if you receive a message from unknown persons suggesting that you have won a large sum of money, it is more than likely a fraud and should be ignored.
“A variation of a classic scam currently circulating claims U.S. $800,000 in prize money from ‘Samsung’ has been won.
“More recently, in an effort to further validate the scam, the fraudsters have managed to convince a Bermudian male to post a misleading video on social media stating that the prize draw is legitimate. In addition, the fraudsters are informing recipients that they must keep their ‘winnings’ secret.
“The BPS is aware of one elderly local man who has been involved in the fraudulent scheme for over 12 months and has so far sent $65,000 in cash and iTunes cards, before reporting the matter to police. It is suspected that overseas fraudsters have swindled more local residents.
How it Works
“The recipients are usually contacted via WhatsApp and informed that they are the winner of an $800,000 prize draw. Of note, more often than not, the WhatsApp contact number has a +234 prefix telephone code, which means that the senders originate in Nigeria.
“The recipients are then shown a briefcase containing cash via video and are assured that a representative is currently on-island to deliver the cash to the recipients.
“However, prior to delivering the cash, the recipients are directed to purchase numerous Apple iTunes cards locally, in order to satisfy delivery fees.
“Once purchased, the recipients are instructed to reveal the unique number located at the back of every iTunes card and send a photograph of each number via WhatsApp back to the senders.
“The fraudsters [senders] then quickly redeem the value of the cards before the recipient realises that they are being scammed.
Advice
- Report any suspected scam you may be involved in to the BPS non-emergency number at 211 or via e-mail to 211@bps.bm. Provide as much information as you can.
- If any credit / debit cards or other account details have been provided, contact your local bank as soon as possible.
- No legitimate organisation demands payment of any fees via the purchase of iTunes cards.
- Block all WhatsApp contact from calls originating out of Nigeria, or any other unknown contact. Here is WhatsApp’s guide on how to block calls and messages.
- Be aware of scams involving Apple iTunes cards. Here is what Apple says about gift card scams.
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These scams will never stop while there are people willing to believe in the “get rich quick” way of life. There are still plenty of such people out there waiting to get fleeced, and nothing will stop it.
The Government of Bermuda is an example.