Police Warn Of WhatsApp Scam Attempts

Bermuda Police are warning residents—especially seniors—about scammers impersonating contacts on WhatsApp to request cash.

A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] reminds residents that scammers continue to use various methods to deceive unsuspecting individuals, particularly senior citizens.

“In two recent incidents, reported separately, different local residents received WhatsApp messages from a WhatsApp contact they recognised.

“The discrepancy? The recognised contact displayed unusual behaviour, asking for cash to be sent to them immediately. In both instances, it is suspected that the recognised contact’s device had been compromised by scammers, prior to the messages being sent.

“However, no money was transferred and instead, these matters were reported to the BPS.

“Family members and friends are again urged to speak with older relatives about the latest scams, emphasising ways they can avoid being defrauded, as seniors are often targeted by con artists.

Practical Social Media Scam Prevention Advice

• “Be suspicious of anyone, even recognised contacts, requesting cash via social media and if pressured to do so, ignore the demands.

• “Avoid social media messages with instructions to redeem gift cards.

• “Use the relevant social media platform’s reporting tool to flag any dubious messages received.

“Remember: personal information such as dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers and banking details are valuable and should never be provided over the internet [including social media], via phone call, or through traditional mail, to unknown persons.

“The BPS continues to strongly recommend ignoring requests for money and/or personal information via unsolicited correspondence. In addition, do not interact with any links or attachments in suspect e-mail or social media messages.

“To make a police report regarding alleged fraud, please call 211, or visit the BPS community reporting portal, at https://portal.police.bm/.”

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