Telephone scam promises big win

(CNS): Anyone who receives a phone call telling them that they have won half a million dollars in the ‘Nokia Lottery’ should be aware that it is yet another scam originating from Nigeria. It is thought that a large number of people would have already received the call, which appears to have started last Thursday night, 7 May. The caller states that the target has won the money in the ‘Nokia Lottery’ and then requests personal details from the victim. The caller says that this is to facilitate the preparation of the payment cheque.

He then says that an Agent from FedEx will deliver the cheque and upon receiving it, the target is to pay the FedEx agent. The number from which the call originates is a Nigerian number and will appear on people’s display screens as +234; however the victim is given a UK number for follow up calls.

The Financial Crime Unit of the RCIPS has received a number of reports from residents who have received a call from someone informing them they have won $½ million, and are strongly urging anyone who receives such a call to hang up immediately or not answer the call in the first place. Residents are reminded never to give out personal details to an unknown source and if told you have won money in a competition you have never entered it is likely to be a scam.

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.