UPDATE: The three American men, ages 32, 32, and 33, who were arrested on Tuesday, 19 March, after making suspected fraudulent credit card purchases, have been formally charged with three counts each of Obtaining Property by Deception for several purchases totaling over $50,000CI in value. The men are to appear in court this morning, 22 March.
(CMR) Three visitors to the Cayman Islands have been arrested as police investigate multiple instances of credit card fraud. Police said these persons have made purchases using credit card details that have been obtained fraudulently without the knowledge or consent of the cardholders.
At times these purchases have been made over the phone or online, however police said they have recently seen a number of instances where the culprits have made purchases in person without providing a physical card or identification.
On Tuesday, 19 March 2024, officers arrested three men, ages 32, 32, and 33, who are visitors to the island, on suspicion of obtaining property by deception after the men had earlier purchased several items with card information from multiple cards, which appears to have been fraudulently obtained.
Police also conducted a search of the premises where the men were located and seized several items, including phones, computer items, perfumes, and expensive jewelry, which are suspected of have been obtained by the same method.
The men remain in custody as investigations continue.
Businesses that have conducted transactions with manually entered card details since 16 March, particularly involving a group of three American men, two of whom are of dark complexion and one of light complexion, are asked to review these transactions and contact the RCIPS Financial Crime Investigation Unit at [email protected] if they have any suspicions.
The RCIPS is also advising the public and businesses of the steps that can be taken to help avoid becoming victims of this type of fraud.
Members of the public should remember never to share card details or their PIN with others, always keep their cards in sight when making payments, and keep them out of sight of other persons.
It’s also important to monitor your account for payments you don’t recognize. If possible, take advantage of transaction alerts provided through email or a bank-approved app. This way, if you see a card payment you do not recognize, you can report it immediately to your bank.
Finally, persons should avoid, as best as possible, making payments with their cards via phone. Instead, remote payments should be made through secure, recognizable platforms.
Businesses should avoid conducting card transactions when persons are unable to produce a physical card with matching identification.
Additionally, businesses may want to consider not conducting card transactions over the phone since a physical card cannot be provided in these cases.
If you suspect you have been a victim of credit card fraud, contact the RCIPS at 949-4222, or by dialing 9-1-1.
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