Renewed Warning to Residents: Remain Vigilant Regarding Scams

Sun, 2019-08-11

The Bermuda Police Service is once again reminding residents to rema vigilant regarding phone calls, e-mails and other correspondence from unknown persons that attempt to obtain personal information and other sensitive data.

One recent example is a telephone scam featuring an automated voice recording, apparently from a U.S. prison, which prompts the person to accept the call by pressing a specific number.

The call was placed from (412) 471-2436. However, it is understood that other telephone numbers with this same area code have also been used.

Any residents that receive a similar call that claims to be from an overseas prison should hang up immediately and avoid following any directions given.

Another scam that has come to the attention of police is a fraudulent letter. The deceptive letter, said to be from a Ms. Linda Lee Wee of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) is concerning an investment opportunity of U.S. $12.8 million and pleads for help to access an inheritance fund, with the enticement of 30% of the money offered in exchange.

This is clearly a scam and residents are strongly advised to ignore such requests.

Finally, any e-mails allegedly received from local banks that prompt the recipient to verify their online banking credentials or username and password details because of software upgrades are undoubtedly fake and should be avoided.

Any incidents of suspected internet fraud should be reported to the Financial Crime Unit on telephone number 247-1757 or via the e-mail address fraud2@bps.bm.

Advice on how to avoid and report scams can also be found at https://www.gov.bm/how-avoid-and-report-scams.