MoneyGram scuppers scam

(CNS): A woman who fell for a scam was prevented from sending $850 to a bogus company in Africa by vigilant MoneyGram staff. Officers from the RCIPS Financial Crime Unit were called to the money transfer company after a woman informed staff she wanted to send the cash to Nigeria. The company has instigated a system where transfers to countries which regularly feature on scam warning lists throw up a red flag.

Detectives attended and found that the woman was sending the cash in order to receive a $40,000 loan from a bogus company. The woman was assured that once she had sent her cash the loan would never be forthcoming and she would not hear from the company again. The woman was extremely grateful to the staff at the store and the detectives who collectively saved her 850 dollars.

“Scam artists are continually coming up with new ways to target consumers,” said Detective Constable Sherry Francella of the FCU. “It’s really good to see companies being aware of these issues and doing what they can to protect their customers.”

Anyone with information about crime taking place in the Cayman Islands should contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 800-8477 (TIPS). All persons calling Crime Stoppers remain anonymous, and are eligible for a reward of up to $1000, should their information lead to an arrest or recovery of property/drugs.