REGULATIONS ON FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS: A WARNING ABOUT JOBS SCAMS
Introduction
In a move to protect the public from falling victim to job scams, the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), the White Collar Crime Unit (WCCU) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) have issued a joint advisory warning about job search scams being offered online through social media platforms.
Red Flags of Job Scams
These scams specifically target individuals who are interested in working from home or earning extra income in addition to their full-time employment. The scammers pose as employers offering unusually high wages for minimal tasks such as typing, preparing correspondence, or data entry.
Victims are often informed that they have been successful in obtaining employment without any screening or interview, and are required to provide their personal information, including banking details, to the “employer.” However, there are several red flags associated with these scams:
- The use of social media direct messages only for communication, distribution of tasks, and payment details without verbal or face-to-face interaction.
- Payment for services through wire transfers and mobile transactions, followed by instructions to forward a portion of the payment to other individuals via money remitters.
- Requests for personal information, including banking details, before sending an official confirmation of employment.
- Failure to share normal details such as company website, social media page, or physical address.
- Job advertisements that include phishing emails requiring access to links used to gain unauthorized access to personal devices and information.
What You Can Do
If you suspect a job scam or have fallen victim to one, do not use the funds derived from it. Instead:
- Contact the WCCU via email at wccu@skn.gov.kn or financialintelligenceunit@skn.gov.kn, or via telephone at 467-1952/3/4 or 662-4723.
- Report the activity to avoid potential money laundering charges and associated penalties.
By being aware of these scams, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to job search scams in Saint Kitts and Nevis.