Fraudsters are targeting Cayman residents through phone calls and messaging apps to gain access to personal accounts and solicit funds from contacts.

In a press release issued on 18 Sept., police said that they had received multiple reports of people using overseas phone numbers to pose as representatives of legitimate businesses and organisations.

Sensitive personal information is gathered and they are asked to take part in online meetings, where more personal data is captured, which is used to solicit money from contacts.

Police explained that messaging services such as WhatsApp accounts could be hijacked and used to send urgent messages to contacts that appear to be from the victim to ask for money.

Another tactic is direct requests to associates, leading the victims to transfer funds to overseas accounts.

Police said, “The public is reminded never to share personal information over the phone or online, especially with unverified callers.

“Always verify unexpected requests for money or sensitive data through an independent, trusted channel and enable two-step verification on messaging apps such as WhatsApp.”

Investigations are ongoing and police are appealing to anyone who suspects that they have been targeted to contact their nearest police station.

Anonymous tips can be submitted on the police confidential tip line at 949 7777 or through the service website.

Information can also be passed on using the Cayman Crime Stoppers website.