Created: Jun 01, 2022 12:26 PM
Police advised that a scam is operating through WhatsApp messages (File image)
An elderly man sent $65,000-worth of cash and gift cards as part of a scam that lasted more than a year, police said this morning.
Residents were warned about a scheme where people are told they have won lots of money but must keep the windfall secret.
A spokesman said: “The Bermuda Police Service is once again advising members of the public that if you receive a message from unknown persons suggesting that you have won a large sum of money, it is more than likely a fraud and should be ignored.
“A variation of a classic scam currently circulating claims US $800,000 in prize money from ‘Samsung’ has been won.
“More recently, in an effort to further validate the scam, the fraudsters have managed to convince a Bermudian male to post a misleading video on social media stating that the prize draw is legitimate.
“In addition, the fraudsters are informing recipients that they must keep their ‘winnings’ secret.”
He added: “The BPS is aware of one elderly local man who has been involved in the fraudulent scheme for over 12 months and has so far sent $65,000 in cash and iTunes cards, before reporting the matter to police.
“It is suspected that overseas fraudsters have swindled more local residents.”
The police spokesman said that people are usually contacted through WhatsApp and informed that they are the winner of a prize draw.
He added: “Of note, more often than not, the WhatsApp contact number has a +234 prefix telephone code, which means that the senders originate in Nigeria.
“The recipients are then shown a briefcase containing cash via video and are assured that a representative is currently on-island to deliver the cash to the recipients.
“However, prior to delivering the cash, the recipients are directed to purchase numerous Apple iTunes cards locally, in order to satisfy delivery fees.
“Once purchased, the recipients are instructed to reveal the unique number located at the back of every iTunes card and send a photograph of each number via WhatsApp back to the senders.
“The fraudsters – senders – then quickly redeem the value of the cards before the recipient realises that they are being scammed.”
Members of the public were advised to report any suspected scams – providing as much information as possible – to police on the non-emergency number 211 or by e-mail to 211@bps.bm.
The BPS spokesman added: “If any credit / debit cards or other account details have been provided, contact your local bank as soon as possible.
“No legitimate organisation demands payment of any fees via the purchase of iTunes cards.
“Block all WhatsApp contact from calls originating out of Nigeria, or any other unknown contact.”
A WhatsApp guide on how to block calls and messages can be found on its website at www.whatsapp.com.
The Apple website has information about gift card scams.
