Finance cops still warning on text scams

(CNS): Despite the seemingly endless warnings over email and text scams, the Financial Crime Unit of the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) said it has received further reports from the public. As a result, once again residents are being urged to be on guard. “If you receive an unsolicited email or text informing you that you have won money in a competition you have never heard of and certainly never entered you should consider this a scam,” said Detective Constable Adrian Neblett.

He said people should not enter into communication with the sender as they will undoubtedly try and trick you out of personal information or your hard earned cash. One of the most recent scams in circulation involves people receiving text messages on their cell phones informing them that they have won substantial amount money in a competition. It’s not unlike the email scam, which also informs the recipient they have won cash.

Other types of scams seen in circulation recently include the inheritance scam, which involves people receiving emails claiming that someone has died, there is an inheritance to collect and that the recipient might be eligible for the money. Another email in circulation asks the recipient to act as a go-between for money transfers. The email asks the recipient to open an account to receive money and asks that it is forwarded to a third party.

“All these types of emails should be ignored,” stressed DC Neblett. “If you respond you put yourself at risk. The best thing to do is delete it and not give it another thought.”

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.