By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Financial Crimes Investigation Branch of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is warning of a rise in phishing scams that trick victims into giving away their banking details through fake texts, phone calls, and websites.

Superintendent Anthony McCartney, officer in charge of the branch, said the scams are not new but remain a persistent problem. He noted that people from various banks have been affected, prompting police to renew their appeal for vigilance.

According to investigators, scammers often claim victims’ accounts are locked and direct them to fraudulent websites where they are asked to enter banking information. Once obtained, criminals lock victims out of their accounts and transfer money elsewhere.

Deputy Superintendent Yvette Rolle-Davis said fraudsters also target verification codes, persuading victims to hand them over during calls, which gives full access to accounts. She warned that people who allow their accounts to be used to move illicit funds are still legally responsible. “So, you may have a family or friend who’s giving you some excuse as to whatever reasons that they need to use your banking account information to transfer funds… That itself is a no-no. And as we know with your account, the individuals who are allowing their accounts, they are, in fact, responsible for their own accounts,” she said.

Supt McCartney urged the public to stop assisting scammers, whether knowingly or not. “We also want to send an appeal to persons who facilitate or assist these scammers in perpetrating these offences, we find that often times persons who come in contact with the police, they indicate that their banking information was stolen or lost,” he said. “They’ve been asked by a friend to assist them from withdrawing funds from their account. Again if you want to prevent being subject to the harsh penalties of the law, we would advise you to desist from conducting such activities.”

Police stressed that financial institutions will never ask for personal information or verification codes, and people should report suspicious messages directly to their banks.

Officials said the scams are increasing daily, affecting people of all ages. They noted some success recovering stolen funds and making arrests when incidents are reported quickly. Supt McCartney added that police are using technology and international cooperation to track suspects, many of whom operate across borders.

“This is very alarming to us as law enforcement as our resources are directed solely into dealing with persons, who, just by taking a little bit due diligence, can minimise or prevent themselves from being the victim of crimes,” he said.