International Telephone Call Scam Alert

Warning Issued by Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)

The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Nauru has issued a warning to the public regarding an international telephone call scam, advising anyone who receives such calls to report them immediately.

Proactive Approach

According to the FIU, they had received three referrals from members of the public and checked their Suspicious Transaction Reporting (STR) database, but found no matches on the beneficiaries. Therefore, the FIU has taken a proactive approach to advise all members of the public to contact them, the Cybercrime Unit, the Nauru Police Force, Digicel Nauru, or the Bendigo Bank Agency if they receive such calls or are coerced into entering into transactions.

Alert Notice Issued

The FIU issued an Alert Notice through various channels, including:

• Government Information Office
• Government Facebook page
• Text blasts on the Digicel platform
• Website

This demonstrates the proactive stance taken by the FIU in combating advance fee frauds.

Election Period Vigilance

Monitoring Financial Crime

During the recent Nauru Elections 2022, the FIU remained vigilant for any potential financial crime. They received information on a person of interest moving around with large sums of money and conducted further inquiries and monitoring, including financial checks with foreign counterparts. However, after analysis, it was determined that the matter did not relate to the elections.

Coordination with Supervisory Authorities

National Strategy

The FIU works closely with supervisory authorities and law enforcement agencies to identify specific risks and vulnerabilities and find mitigating strategies. They introduced a National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering and Combatting the Financing of Terrorism 2022-2025, which sets out specific goals and objectives.

Public Private Partnership

Collaborative Mechanism

The FIU also promotes public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a collaborative mechanism to combat money laundering, combating the financing of terrorism, proliferation financing, and other financial crimes. The PPP concept is promoted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Case Studies

Coordination with Law Enforcement Authorities

Two recent case studies highlight the FIU’s coordination with law enforcement authorities and the dissemination of intelligence:

• Dissemination of information to the Nauru Police Force related to alleged forgery at the Passport office.

Nauru’s Approach in Combatting Crimes

Collaborative Approach

The FIU works closely with all stakeholders through their committees to ensure a collaborative approach in identifying risks and vulnerabilities and finding appropriate solutions. They share findings and reports with stakeholders, who contribute to combating crimes and mitigating threats and vulnerabilities.

What to Do if You Receive Suspicious Calls

Anyone receiving suspicious calls or having information about potential fraud should contact the Nauru FIU immediately.