Cayman Islands Residents Warned of Fraudulent Banking Emails
A recent surge in fraudulent emails has left residents of the Cayman Islands on high alert. The emails appear to come from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, claiming to be related to a Dolphin Trust Scam investigation at the Cayman National Bank.
What’s Happening?
The emails, which claim to be from the email address fraud-desk@rcips.ky, carry an attachment and ask recipients to open it. However, RCIPS has confirmed that this is a scam and no such email address exists within the service.
How to Identify Fraudulent Emails
• Legitimate financial institutions and law enforcement agencies will never ask for personal information via email. • Be cautious of emails asking you to download attachments or click on links from unknown sources. • Always verify requests by contacting your financial institution or the police directly.
What You Can Do
- Don’t open or respond to suspicious emails. Instead, forward them directly to the Digital Forensic Hub at RCIPSDFH@rcips.ky.
- Never click on links in emails unless you are absolutely certain that it came from a legitimate source.
- If there is any doubt about authenticity, always check with the original sender before clicking links.
Reports of Malicious Emails
RCIPS has also received reports of fraudulent emails claiming to be from an ex-RCIPS Police Officer who no longer resides or works in the Cayman Islands. The email comes from Royal Cayman Islands Police Service; Sarah.Mencneer@gov.ky and contains a link to download a pdf. However, RCIPS has identified the link as malicious and it is no longer active.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
- Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal information.
- Verify requests by contacting your financial institution or the police directly.
- Always check with the original sender before clicking links.
How to Report Suspicious Emails
If you have received a suspicious email, please call the Digital Forensic Hub at 649-4301 during regular business hours or email RCIPSDFH@rcips.ky. Anonymous tips can be provided directly to the RCIPS via our Confidential Tip Line at 949-7777, or via our website.