RCIPS and CIG Issue Reminder on ongoing Text Message Scam

The RCIPS and Cayman Islands Government continue to urgently warn the public of a text message scam which is circulating locally.


Victims of the scam receive a message purporting to be from the Cayman Islands Postal Service, claiming that a parcel has arrived and that they need to pay customs duties before delivery can be completed. The text message contains a link to a fraudulent website, which appears to be an official Cayman Government website, where persons are asked to enter payment information. This information is then used to extract funds from the victim's account.


The scam remains active, with different numbers being used to send the text message, and differing domain addresses being included in the message. Since the initial release, additional persons have fallen victim to the scam, and have had their accounts compromised and money lost. A similar scam is also confirmed to be circulating in other countries in the Caribbean region, with significant losses reported.


REMINDERS:


-Ignore any such messages received, and DO NOT to click any links within. In some cases, financial losses have occurred simply by clicking the link, without entering account details.


-If you have already clicked the link or provided payment information, contact your bank and make a report to the police at 949-4222.


-The Cayman Islands Postal Service and other Government entities will never ask you to pay customs duties or fees via text message.


-Always visit official Government websites by typing the URL yourself.