Mobile phone scam falsely promises ‘bonanza’

(CNS): Police are warning Cayman Islands residents about another telephone scam that will not make them rich. The bogus text message, which is currently being sent to LIME cell phones, claims that the recipient has won money in an ‘ongoing GSM FREE BONANZA’. The recipient is asked to email a gmail account to claim their winnings which, needless to say, do not exist.

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) and the telecommunications company say they have been made aware of the message scam which reads: “CONGRATULATIONS!!! (mobile number) have won EUR 470,000 in the ongoing GSM FREE BONANZA, For claim, Email: maxgestores@gmail.com or call +34-669295736.”

Inspector Angela McLean ofthe Financial Crime Unit said as yet the unit had not received any official complaints and was hoping to keep it that way. “All residents are urged not to respond to the message if they receive it,” she said.

LIME Country Manager Tony Ritch also advised customers not to respond to this as it is mobile phone SPAM, effectively an unsolicited bulk message that has been sent to potentially thousands of our customers. “We did not authorize or send this message, it is a hoax,” said Ritch. “We also want to let the public know that we will do everything we can in such instances to identify those responsible and report them to the relevant authorities.”

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.