Bermuda Banks Under Fire as Fraudulent Activities Continue to Target Seniors

A Growing Threat in Bermuda

A wave of fraudulent activities has been sweeping through Bermuda, with the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Bankers’ Association, and Ageing and Disability Services sounding the alarm about the growing threat. According to recent reports, fraudsters are targeting seniors using unsolicited phone calls, text messages, and emails in an attempt to commit financial crimes.

Tactics Used by Scammers

The tactics employed by these scammers are eerily convincing, with victims being informed that fraudulent activity has been detected on their bank accounts. The perpetrators, often posing as local bank employees, demand immediate cooperation from the victim, claiming that a suspect needs to be identified and reimbursed for any losses incurred.

Shocking Instance of Loss

In one shocking instance, a local elderly resident lost $100,000 after falling prey to this scam. Seniors are particularly vulnerable due to their perceived lack of familiarity with technology, making them prime targets for these fraudsters.

Tips to Protect Yourself from Scams

To combat this growing threat, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and take steps to protect themselves from these scams. Here are some tips:

• Resist Pressure to Act Quickly: Do not rush into taking action based on pressure from unknown entities.
• Never Give Out Personal Information: Keep your personal information private and do not share it with unknown entities.
• Be Cautious of Unsolicited Emails and Requests: Be wary of unsolicited emails or requests for sensitive information.

Additional Precautions

In addition to these tips, individuals are advised to:

• Use Anti-Virus Software: Install anti-virus software and keep it updated.
• Change Passwords Regularly: Change your passwords regularly to prevent unauthorized access.
• Avoid Installing Suspicious Software: Do not install suspicious software or apps on your computer or mobile device.

Reporting Suspected Fraudulent Activities

The public is reminded not to respond to unsolicited emails or click on embedded links, and to be wary of email attachments forwarded by unknown senders. It is essential to take precautions to protect personal identity and report any suspected fraudulent activities immediately.

Reporting Scams

Anyone with concerns about telephone or internet fraud can contact the Bermuda Police Service at 211 or report incidents online via their website. Additional information on how to avoid and report scams can be found on the Government of Bermuda’s website.