The White-Collar Crime Unit (WCCU) of the Royal St. Christopher-Nevis Police Force, along with the Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), is warning the public about online job search scams. These scams typically target individuals seeking work-from-home or side income opportunities, often through social media and job websites.

According to a post by Attorney General, Garth Wilkin, scammers post fake job ads offering unrealistically high pay for simple tasks like typing or data entry. Victims are “hired” without interviews and are asked to provide personal and banking information. Red flags include communication only via social media messages, no company website or contact details, and requests to transfer or withdraw funds quickly. Some scams also involve phishing links that compromise personal devices.

The authorities are warning the public that: “any money derived from these scams, and subsequently used, is considered money laundering,” according to the Proceeds of Crime and Asset Recovery Act (POCARA).

As such any person who has received funds via a Job Search Scam, as described above, should immediately contact the WCCU via email at wccu@police.kn or via telephone at 467-1952.

Persons are advised not to use funds derived from these activities. Finally, individuals are to note that “failure to report these activities could result in a money laundering charge and the penalties.”