Police have issued a warning to be wary of falling prey to scams on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, whereby criminals trick unsuspecting victims into paying large sums of money in exchange for employment.
The warning follows reports of a local social media scam that has resulted in victims being fleeced of large sums of money by criminals.
In December 2018, several persons who are members of a WhatsApp group were falsely informed that they would be employed as riggers at an energy company, if they wired TT$3,000 to a Western Union account.
Upon paying the money, the victims were told to attend an orientation programme carded for Tuesday 8th January, 2019.
However, when they showed up for the orientation, they were told it was cancelled.
Investigations into this matter are ongoing.
Police say that as a general rule, if an offer made online, on social media or otherwise appears too good to be true; then it is highly possible, it is a scam.
The statement by the police said that any transaction involving cash payment of large sums of money to unknown persons should be avoided.
It advises that persons of social media scams carried out locally, should make a report to the nearest police station or call 999, 482-GARY or 800-TIPS.