PORT OF SPAIN – The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has issued a high-priority warning to the public following a disturbing fraud incident that left an 80-year-old Westmoorings woman over $11,000 poorer.
The incident, which occurred this week, highlights a growing trend of scammers impersonating law enforcement and banking officials to manipulate vulnerable citizens. According to official reports, the victim was contacted by a woman claiming to be an officer attached to the TTPS Fraud Squad.
The Anatomy of the Scam
The fraudster convinced the elderly resident that there were “irregularities” with her bank account. To “secure” the account, the caller requested sensitive banking details and sent verification codes to the victim’s mobile phone, instructing her to read them back.
Believing she was cooperating with a legitimate police investigation, the woman complied. Shortly after the call, she discovered that $11,226.77 TT had been transferred out of her account via unauthorized online transactions.
How to Protect Yourself
The TTPS Corporate Communications Unit is emphasising that neither banks nor police officers will ever ask for your PIN, password, or verification codes over the phone.
“Be cautious of callers claiming urgency or threatening account issues to pressure you into acting quickly,” the TTPS advised. “If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.”
