(CMR) Local business, Office Supply is seeking the public's assistance after they were the victim of a male scammer going by the name “Eriko Brinkman”.
The scam started on February 19, 2019 when Brinkman contacted the local office supply store indicating that he needed to purchase a laptop for his son and a tablet for his co-worker “Linda Fisher”. After consulting with the IT technician he settled on a particular model and asked if he could conduct the transaction over the telephone with his credit card. He claimed to be an employee of the Cayman Islands Government and was adept at getting the staff to trust him.
The transaction was processed without an issue initially. However, when using a different credit card supposedly belonging to his co-worker that was unsuccessful. At this point, staff then requested to speak with Fisher directly but were told she had left that location and gave Brinkman her credit card to deal with the matter for her.
He then make arrangements to collect the laptop from the store located in Marquee Plaza.
Initially he indicated that his girlfriend would come to collect the laptop around closing time that evening; between 6:00-6:30 pm. However she never showed up. The following day, a man collected the laptop for Eriko Brinkman. He did not provide any form of identification. However, CCTV footage was able to capture some clear images of him. He can be seen collecting the Lenovo laptop as well as inquiring where to do so when he entered the store.
The following day the bank made contact with the retailer to inform them that the transaction had been reversed and the card was reported as stolen. All attempts since to contact Brinkman have been unsuccessful and his local telephone number was turned off. CMR did call the number and it's now operational again with a man answering the phone.
Office Supply is concerned that this type of scam has taken place in the Cayman Islands and is offering a $500 reward for any reliable information that leads to the successful identification of the perpetrator(s).
Brinkman is described as Jamaican; but appearing to be putting on a proper accent. The suspect that collected the laptop is darker skinned slim built man wearing a DEH hat; black pants and white t-shirt. He is also wearing a silver necklace and gold ring on his third finger. He was found to also be wearing a gold colored watch with a black face. He also has several darker marks on his fingers and a callous on the little finger.
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