Financial Crime World

Warning: Job Search Scams on the Rise in St. Kitts and Nevis

A Growing Concern for Financial Crimes

Basseterre, St. Kitts - The Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC), the White Collar Crime Unit (WCCU), and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) are sounding a warning to the public about job search scams being perpetrated online through websites and social media platforms.

How These Scams Work

These scams target individuals seeking employment or those looking to earn extra income, with perpetrators offering high-paying jobs for minimal tasks such as typing, data entry, or correspondence preparation. The scammers usually communicate via direct messages on social media, distribute tasks without verbal or face-to-face communication, and instruct victims to receive payment through wire transfers or mobile transactions.

Red Flags to Watch Out For:

  • High-paying jobs with minimal tasks
  • No verbal or face-to-face communication with the employer
  • Request for personal information, including banking details
  • Instructions to withdraw funds immediately after receiving them

The Risks of Money Laundering

Experts warn that any money derived from these scams and subsequently used constitutes money laundering. According to Section 4(2) of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), a person engages in money laundering if they know or ought reasonably have known that the money or other property was obtained from some form of criminal activity.

What You Can Do

The WCCU urges anyone who has received funds via a job search scam to immediately report it. Failure to do so may result in a money laundering charge and penalties outlined in Section 4(1) of the POCA.

  • Be vigilant and cautious when responding to job advertisements that seem too good to be true
  • Report any suspicious activity to the WCCU via email or telephone

Working Together to Prevent Financial Crimes

The FSRC, WCCU, and FIU are working together to prevent and detect financial crimes, including money laundering. The public’s cooperation is essential in maintaining a clean and transparent financial system in St. Kitts and Nevis.