Fake cops tricking car sellers in new scam

Scammers pretending to be cops are on the loose, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force is warning Jamaicans to steer clear of a scheme that is catching motor vehicle sellers off guard.

The fraudsters have been targeting people who recently sold their cars or are planning to sell. According to the police, the criminals are calling sellers and pretending to be officers investigating stolen vehicles. They claim that the car sold was stolen property and then pressure the sellers into handing over cash to avoid supposed prosecution or to repay a fake buyer.

To make the scheme look real, the scammers even recruit unsuspecting ride share drivers to pick up the cash and drop it off at various locations.

The police are urging the public not to fall for the trick and to remember that no real police operation involves collecting money from citizens to settle criminal matters.

Anyone who gets a call like this is being told to hang up immediately and report it to the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 311.

Ride share drivers are also being warned to be careful when asked to collect or transport packages, especially those believed to contain cash, since they could unknowingly get caught up in criminal activity.

Superintendent Victor Barrett of the Counter Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch said investigators are probing the incidents and want the public to speak up. He said the scammers are using fear and urgency to trick their victims and urged people not to engage with anyone making these calls.

Reports can also be made to C TOC at 876 967 1389, the police emergency number 119, or any police station.

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