The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is aware of a message purportedly issued by the organisation and now being circulated on social media, warning residents to be aware of would be government workers distributing masks for the prevention of COVID spread.

The post suggests these masks contain some form of anaesthetic property which renders individuals incapacitated after they follow the “government workers” instructions that they be tried to ensure proper fit.

The post claims that once incapacitated persons are then robbed of valuables by these individuals portraying themselves as government employees.

The BPS wishes to inform the public, it has not issued any such notice.

Investigations have revealed the notice originated in another jurisdiction and is now being circulated here.

Anyone receiving the hoax message, is advised to immediately delete it and not forward it on.

Further, any BPS advisories to the public are issued via the local print and broadcast media, as well as via our own social media pages.