KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Newport West police is urging members of the public to be vigilant against scams involving the sale of motor vehicles around the wharf area during the busy Christmas season.

Commanding officer in charge of the Newport West Police Formation, Superintendent of Police Rochelle McGibbon-Scott, said that the festive season traditionally brings increased commercial activity and, unfortunately, increased criminal activity as well.

“Over the past five to six years, we have observed a troubling trend that significantly impacts policing in this space,” she pointed out.

She said criminals are operating sophisticated scams, especially through social media platforms such as TikTok, where they post videos of high-value motor vehicles, often captured near the wharf, and advertise them for sale at prices far below their true market value.

“A vehicle, which, for example, would normally be valued at $5 million, is being advertised for as low as $2.5 million. That alone should raise a red flag,” McGibbon-Scot said.

She said that scammers encourage potential buyers to quickly inquire about prices, locations and deposits, often without proper verification, and in many cases victims are pressured to make online payments or meet individuals at the wharf with large cash deposits.

“Once you reach the stage where you are being asked to lodge money, that is the critical point where we urge citizens to pause and verify. If something doesn’t feel right, trust that instinct and reach out to us before you lose your hard-earned money,” McGibbon-Scott advised.

The commanding officer indicated that the Newport West police have recorded an alarming increase in reports of victims who have deposited significant sums of money, ranging from $250,000 to $500,000 into scammers’ accounts.

“These are hard-working individuals who lose their savings in an instant, and that is deeply concerning,” McGibbon-Scott said.

To prevent falling victim to these scams, she is advising people to be suspicious of vehicles advertised at prices far below market value and not to make any online payments or cash deposits without verification.

She further warned members of the public against agreeing to meet sellers along the wharf or in secluded areas, and to instead, insist on meeting at the Newport West Police Station and to contact the police before making any payment.

“Safety and security remain our top priorities in Newport West,” McGibbon-Scott assured.

Persons can call or WhatsApp the Newport West police at 876-412-9210 to verify the legitimacy of any vehicle sale being advertised in the area.

This will allow for quick checks, including reviewing screenshots of social media pages and transaction details.

Superintendent McGibbon-Scott said that the Jamaica Constabulary (JCF) remains committed to protecting citizens and implores everyone to remain vigilant throughout the festive season.

— JIS