JCF warns public of scam targeting vehicle sellers and ride-share drivers
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is alerting members of a fraudulent scheme targeting individuals who have sold or planning to sell their motor vehicles.
According to the JCF in a media release, criminals are reportedly contacting vehicle sellers via telephone, pretending to be police officers, and claiming that the vehicles they sold are stolen property.
Under the pretence of helping the sellers avoid prosecution or reimbursing the supposed buyer, these scammers demand immediate cash payments from the sellers.
Additionally, the JCF said the scammers enlist unsuspecting ride-share drivers to collect cash from victims and transport the funds to various drop-off locations.
Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) said the police are actively probing the incidents and urging the public to report them.
“These fraudsters are using fear and urgency to manipulate victims into bypassing their better judgement. We implore the public to refrain from engaging with these individuals if they receive such calls. We are actively looking into these incidents and ask citizens to report them to the police,” said Superintendent Barrett.
Members of the public are being urged to remain vigilant and follow these safety guidelines:
- Under no circumstances should you pay money to individuals making such demands over the phone.
- Remember that no legitimate police operation involves soliciting or collecting money from citizens to settle criminal matters or reimburse third parties.
- If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately and report the incident to the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 311.
The police is also advising ride-share drivers to be cautious of requests to transport unaccompanied packages, especially those suspected of containing cash, as transporting the proceeds of crime may implicate you in criminal activities.
The public is being urged to report such incidents by calling C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the police emergency 119 number or the nearest police station.
