Police warn seniors after spate of cyber frauds
Con artists reportedly duped three seniors out of $685,000 in separate incidents, police said.
The latest scams have prompted a call to residents — particularly seniors — to remain vigilant against online and phone fraud.
A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said: “In three recently reported incidents, one local senior citizen was apparently contacted through Facebook, while two other local senior citizens are understood to have received random phone calls.
“Combined, the three senior citizens involved reportedly were defrauded of approximately $685,000.
“It is believed that the senior citizen contacted via social media received a message that appeared to come from someone known to them, containing specific instructions — purchase Apple gift cards, photograph the back with the redemption code visible and send the pictures to an e-mail address provided in the message.
“The two senior citizens that received unsolicited phone calls were led to believe the caller was a local bank employee contacting them because their accounts had been compromised.”
•Avoid social media messages with instructions to redeem gift cards or send cash.
•Don’t install any computer software recommended by an unknown caller.
•Hang up on callers who ask for personal or bank information and either call the specific business to confirm if there is a problem, or contact the police for advice.
•Check your bank accounts regularly for any unusual activity.
•Report any suspected fraud to the relevant bank and the police immediately.
He added: “In one instance, it was reported that the senior citizen was persuaded to give the caller their bank information. In the other, it was reported that the senior citizen was persuaded to allow the caller remote access to their computer.
“All of these scenarios are tactics regularly used by scammers to defraud unsuspecting individuals.”
The spokesman urged relatives and friends of senior citizens to discuss the issue with them and advise on how they can avoid being defrauded because seniors are often targeted by swindlers.
To make a police report regarding suspected fraud, call 211, or visit the BPS community reporting portal at portal.police.bm.
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