From RCIPS

The RCIPS continues to receive reports of a WhatsApp scam circulating in the Cayman Islands, where the culprits gain access to the victim’s contact list. The culprits then pose as the victim and send messages to their contacts, requesting urgent financial assistance.

Often, persons only become aware that they are affected when they are contacted by persons who have received such requests for assistance. If you are aware that you are affected by this scam, the RCIPS advises that you let all your contacts know that these messages are not coming from you, and that they should avoid sending any money.

The general public is advised that they should be very wary of requests for money made via WhatsApp, even if they seem to be coming from friends. It is best to make contact with the person who appears to be making the request, via some other method, such as a phone or video-call, or in-person, to verify the request.

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Initial Release (11 July):

The RCIPS Cybercrime Unit have been made aware of a WhatsApp scam circulating in the Cayman Islands.

The victim will receive a call or a WhatsApp message inviting them to join a WhatsApp group. If they join the group by clicking the link they may have their contacts accessed by the scammers.

Messages are then sent to all the victim’s contacts stating that the victim is in desperate need of money and providing links to send money. The RCIPS are aware that in some cases money has been sent. The scammers have targeted existing groups associated with agencies in the Cayman Islands.

The RCIPS would like to remind the public not to click on any link they are sent until they are certain it is legitimate, and not to join any WhatsApp groups for which they are not expecting an invite.