Permanent secretary Wayne Roberston impersonated in motor vehicle scam
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs is warning the public to be on alert for criminals using the name of permanent secretary Wayne Robertson to lure potential car buyers.
Robertson described the scam as unnerving, adding that he strongly condemns the unscrupulous activity.
“These scammers are calling persons, using my name and offering vehicles for sale, on behalf of the ministry,” PS Robertson shared.
“They have gone as far as affixing the ministry’s logo, the national flag and the road to republic’s mandate – to transform Jamaica from a Constitutional Monarchy to a Republic – to their WhatsApp statuses, giving the impression that there is legitimate affiliation,” he reported.
It is reported that the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, and the Jamaica Customs Agency (specifically, the Minister and Commissioner) are also mentioned to underscore the legitimacy of these fraudulent transactions.
According to Robertson, he has spoken to three persons who were fleeced $10 million, $4 million, and $800,000, respectively.
Robertson revealed that: “the most recent case involves a lady who came to my office last Friday, October 6, because she had received a voice note from the individual purporting to be me, requesting a down payment of $800,000, which she subsequently made. Luckily, she knows a colleague of mine, and when she shared the voice note, he was able to confirm that the voice was not mine.”
It is alleged that multiple phone numbers are currently being used by the scammers to contact individuals.
The public is being urged to exercise caution and be wary of phone calls and WhatsApp messages from persons purporting to be associated with Robertson or any Ministry of Legal and Constitutional Affairs personnel.
The phone numbers are 876-538-6793, 876-225-2306 and 876-359-5558.
Additionally, individuals who are in receipt of any such calls or WhatsApp messages are being asked to contact the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency at 888-662-2847, 876-906-5848, or 119, or the nearest police station.
