Crime & Safety
Tips To Keep Yourself Safe From Email and Telephone Scams
VIPD's Economic Crime Unit warns there is an increase in email and telephone scams. Here are tips to avoid getting swindled.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Economic Crime Unit is alerting the community about an increase in email and telephone scams harming the public and economy throughout the territory.
One common scam is attempting to defraud residents who want to purchase vehicles from the mainland by posting fake online listings of vehicles for sale. The scammers chat with unsuspecting victims using online platforms, like Facebook, and share photos of vehicles from other legitimate listings. The scammers create fraudulent Bills of Sale, invoices, and Certificates of Title. After victims send the requested funds, the scammers will continue to manipulate victims for more funds, claiming they need to cover shipment and storage fees. When victims discover they were scammed, funds have been already withdrawn and the scammers are gone.
Residents can use the following steps to detect a fake car sale(s):
- Review online comments
- Resist pressure from rushed sales
- Request to inspect the vehicle
- Do not wire transfer or purchase any gift cards as payment
- Avoid sending more funds for shipping costs
- Request to see the vehicle identification number
Another common scam to watch out for is callers telling victims to send money for sweepstakes winnings or to avoid federal prosecution. The scammers often use fake numbers that make their calls appear as legitimate sources on Caller ID.
Tips to recognize that the call is a scam:
- You did not initiate the call
- The caller paints an extreme situation
- You are pressured to pay quickly
- You are asked to pay with gift cards or money orders
- Their promises are too good to be true
- You are threatened by the caller
If you believe that you may have been a victim of any of these scams, report it to the VIPD’s Economic Crime Unit on St. Thomas at (340) 774-3942 or on St. Croix at (340) 778-1001.
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