STATEMENT re: WHATSAPP SCAM ADVISORY
The White Collar Crime Unit (WCCU) of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is advising the public regarding WhatsApp scams that have affected several members of the public to date.
According to our investigations, overseas scammers are cloning WhatsApp accounts and sending messages to the victim’s contacts, pretending to be the account owner. The fraudulent messages may claim, for example, that the individual is stranded in the United States and urgently needs financial assistance via money transfer.
The RSCNPF urges all residents to remain vigilant and exercise caution. If you receive a message from a contact requesting money or for you to send to someone, please take the following steps:
- Contact the individual directly using a reliable method, such as a phone call, to confirm the authenticity of the request.
- Avoid sending funds or sharing personal financial information based solely on a message request.
- DO NOT click on or approve any text messages, Whatapp messages, or emails containing access verification codes that you did not personally request.
- If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam, report the incident to the police immediately.
Public awareness and cooperation are vital in preventing such scams. Given the private nature of Whatsapp, each user is the first line of defense and privacy protection. The RSCNPF continues to urge everyone to be extremely vigilant in order to safeguard themselves and avoid being victimised.
