Online and e-mail scams warning from police
New online and e-mail scams have led to substantial cash losses, police warned today.
A spokesman said fraudsters who posed as family members or friends had contacted people on social media platforms such as Instagram and promised a same-day return on investments.
He added other cons involved e-mail, with recipients asked to buy Apple or PlayStation cards and send back the card codes.
The spokesman said red flags for online fraud included offers of unusually high returns, guaranteed success, the requirement of an upfront fee, pressure to act immediately or a quick turnaround for profit.
Detective Chief Inspector Sherwin Joseph, head of the specialist investigations department, said anyone targeted should confirm the person’s identity.
He warned people should not provide their personal information online, unless they were able to properly identify the requester and to avoid online communication with unknown parties.
Mr Joseph said: “Be suspicious. If it sounds too good to be true, it more often than not usually is.”
Suspected online fraud should be reported to the financial crime unit at 247-1757 or by e-mail to Group-FCU@bps.bm.
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