Police issue warnings over latest scams

(CNS): The RCIPS are warning people to be on the look-out for fraudulent adverts and callers as a result of mounting scam reports. Police said that over the past few weeks the Financial Crime Unit has been receiving reports of numerous scams taking place within the Cayman Islands. One of the scams involves fraudulent advertisements being placed on local internet classifieds as well as in the local newspapers in an effort to con money out of people. Police are also warning people about con men calling phones posing as Microsoft support staff looking for credit card numbers and other key personal information.

The police noted that the ads are often for large ticket items, such as cars or boats and even pets that are being sold by a seller from overseas. The seller will usually request payment through a money service, such as MoneyGram or Western Union but may sometimes request a money transfer through a local retail bank. 

“Caution is advised when buying large ticket items like these from websites.  Never buy large ticket items online without first being able to verify that it is being sold locally and being able to verify the identity of the seller,” the financial crime cops warned.

They also pointed to scammers calling local residents claiming to be from Microsoft Support.  These con artists usually request credit card details, so that your Microsoft Windows license can be updated.  If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from MicrosoftSupport, do not provide them with any personal details, credit card details or any details about your computer.

Some job scams have also been reported to CNS in the classifieds of the local papers that have caught out a number of genuine job-seekers who have ended up under a mountain of spam and being the target of scammers as a result of responding to the advertisements.

If you believe you may have recently been a victim of this type of scam or fraud, please contact the Financial Crime Unit at 949-8797.