The VONNEWSLINE has received reports of WhatsApp scams and robbers, purporting to be technicians from the Cable in St. Kitts (which is an internet provider) and thus attempting to rob persons of household items.

Reports indicate that for the WhatsApp scams, overseas scammers are cloning WhatsApp accounts and sending messages to the victim’s contacts, pretending to be the account owner. The fraudulent messages may claim, for example, that the individual is stranded in the United States and urgently needs financial assistance via money transfer.

The scams have occurred in both St. Kitts and Nevis. What can be done to avoid this? The Police Force has urged all residents to take the following steps:

Contact the individual directly using a reliable method, such as a phone call, to confirm the authenticity of the request. Avoid sending funds or sharing personal financial information based solely on a message request.

Do not click on or approve any text messages, WhatsApp messages, or emails containing access verification codes that you did not personally request. If you suspect you are being targeted by a scam, report the incident to the police immediately.

But what about the purported Cable Workers and potential fake persons who say they work for a potential company, but do not? Call the police and lodge your concern. Do not open your doors to them and stay vigilant. Similar incidents of WhatsApp scams in particular, have occurred in the BVI and other countries.