ISLANDERS are expected to lose a total of £5 million to fraud this year, with reports reaching a four-year high.
The Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum is urging Islanders to be vigilant against the threats posed by criminals, particularly as digital and online frauds become more believable and sophisicated.
To mark International Fraud Awareness Week, the JFPF have warned that common tactics used by fraudsters include fake websites that mimic real firms, social media adverts with fabricated or digitally-altered endorsements and “limited time offers” which create a pressure to act quickly.
Chris Beechey, JFPF Chair and chief inspector at the States police, said: “Investment scams can devastate lives. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. We urge Islanders to seek advice before committing funds.
“Your bank, the police, JFSC or other members of the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum can help. Fraud thrives in silence. Let’s talk about it.”
Earlier this year, a scam video using an AI-generated voice of Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham and a fake media article with Jersey Evening Post branding was circulated on Facebook as part of a phishing scheme.
The video used a fake media news story in an attempt to encourage readers to visit a website and disclose their personal details, falsely claimed that “tens of thousands of Islanders are retiring early thanks to a government-backed investment platform.”
The JFPF said Jersey was not immune from international and local fraud activity and that there is a wide range of scams criminals use including investment, cryptocurrency and
romance fraud.
How to protect yourself
Islanders are urged to follow three simple steps to guard against scams:
- STOP – pause before sharing details or clicking a link
- THINK – could this be fake?
- PROTECT – contact your bank if unsure, and report fraud to the police on 612612.
