The White Collar Crime Unit (WCCU) of the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) is advising the public about WhatsApp scams that have affected several people recently.
Our investigations have revealed that overseas scammers are cloning WhatsApp accounts and sending messages to the victim’s contacts while pretending to be the account owner. These 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 asking you to send funds to someone, please take the following steps:
1. Contact the individual directly using a reliable method, such as a phone call, to confirm the authenticity of the request.
2. Avoid sending money or sharing personal financial information based solely on a message request.
3. DO NOT click on or approve any text messages, WhatsApp messages, or emails containing access verification codes that you did not personally request.
If you suspect that 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 their first line of defence in protecting their privacy. The RSCNPF continues to urge everyone to be extremely vigilant to safeguard themselves and avoid becoming a victim.