VIRGIN ISLANDS RESIDENTS CAUTIONED AGAINST FRAUDULENT CHECK AND MONEY ORDER SCAMS

Warning Issued by USVI Attorney General’s Office

St. Thomas, USVI - The United States Virgin Islands Attorney General’s office has issued a warning to residents about an increase in fraudulent check and money order scams circulating in the community.

Scammers’ Modus Operandi

According to officials, scammers are using counterfeit checks and money orders to dupe victims into depositing the items into their bank accounts and then purchasing gift cards. The scammers promise to return some of the deposited funds, but ultimately disappear with the money.

Types of Fraudulent Check Scams

• Job Posting or Sweepstakes Scams: Scammers send counterfeit checks or money orders with instructions to deposit them into a personal account, wire funds to another person, or purchase gift cards.
• Prize Claims: Victims are asked to pay taxes, shipping and handling charges, or processing fees for prizes won in sweepstakes or online games.
• Overpayments: Individuals are sent too much money for an online purchase and are asked to refund the balance.

Tips to Avoid Falling Victim

To avoid falling victim to these scams, residents are advised to:

• Research sellers online
• Pay by credit card instead of debit
• Keep a record of transactions
• Be wary of calls, emails, or mail claiming there is a warrant for their arrest

Reporting Fraudulent Check Scams

If you have been a victim of a fraudulent check scam, contact the: + VIPD Economic Crimes Unit: (340) 774-3942 on St. Thomas or (340) 778-1001 on St. Croix + V.I. Division of Licensing and Consumer Affairs: (340) 713-3522 on St. Croix or (340) 714-3522 on St. Thomas

For consumer-related issues, call: + DLCA: (340) 727-SCAM (7226) on St. Croix or (340) 771-SCAM (7226) on St. Thomas Residents can also visit ConsumerResources.org, the consumer-facing website of the National Association of Attorneys General.