KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) is warning the public to beware of motor vehicle scammers posing as customs officials, with a view to sell or auction motor vehicles.

“The agency is advising that at no time will Customs officials call or email any individual to engage them in the auctioning or sale of motor vehicles, or other merchandise owned by the government,” the Agency said in a statement on Thursday.

This reminder comes in light of reports to the agency, that the names, a voice sounding like the CEO/Commissioner of Customs, Velma Ricketts Walker, and a photograph of the Deputy CEO, Marlon Lowe, are allegedly being used by imposters in an alleged motor vehicle scam.

Additionally, the JCA said “it has come to the agency’s attention that the scammers have been seeking to solicit funds from victims under the name ‘Collector of Customs’.”

The agency is therefore imploring individuals who may be victims of this scam to report it immediately to the police as well as to the Investigation Branch of the JCA.

The JCA is also reiterating to the public that all auctions are undertaken in keeping with the Customs Act. Information on public auctions, including motor vehicles, can be viewed at www.jacustoms.gov.jm.