BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force is urging the public to remain vigilant following reports of a WhatsApp scam where perpetrators clone mobile numbers to solicit funds under false pretenses.
This scam has affected high-ranking members of the police force, prompting an investigation aimed at identifying and bringing those responsible—both locally and regionally—to justice.
The police, along with the White-Collar Crimes Division, have confirmed receiving three formal reports so far. However, they suspect there are additional victims. "This was known through reporting entities informing us of such. the police stated in a press release.
The first report of this scam was filed in October. Victims are often unaware they have been defrauded, believing they sent money to a trusted friend. In some cases, they may not have contacted the friend since the transaction to confirm the request's authenticity.
Investigators revealed that funds are typically funneled through third-party recipients, who might not know they are aiding a scam. These intermediaries may believe the money is related to legitimate services they are providing or may be vulnerable individuals earning a small percentage before forwarding the bulk of the funds via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or other means. The scammers themselves are often located in other jurisdictions, complicating efforts to trace the money's final destination.
Police Recommendations:
1. To avoid falling victim to such scams, the police advise the public to:
2. Verify Requests: Contact the individual directly using a reliable method, such as a phone call, to confirm the authenticity of any request for funds.
3. Be Cautious: Avoid sending money or sharing personal financial information based solely on a text or message request.
4. Protect Verification Codes: Never click on or approve text messages, WhatsApp messages, or emails containing access verification codes that you did not personally request.
5. Report Incidents Promptly: If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam, report it to the police immediately.
6. The police emphasize the importance of community vigilance to combat these schemes effectively. Residents are encouraged to share this information widely to prevent others from falling victim to the scam.
