Scammers use BOJ to swindle money

Scammers are using the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) brand to attempt to swindle cash from unsuspecting members of the public.

The central bank issued a statement last week disassociating itself from such activities. It also warned that it is not liable to compensate the public for loses arising from such activities. 

Its follows an earlier notice from the BOJ about fraudulent emails. This however is a separate arm of fraud.

"The BOJ is aware that unscrupulous persons falsely purporting to be representatives of the Bank have been contacting individuals with claims of funds being held by the Bank on their behalf for collection. These persons have also provided documentation, purportedly coming from the Bank, in support of the existence of these funds," said the BOJ in a notice on its site.

The BOJ explained that central banks are bankers only to banks and to their respective governments.

"The Bank wishes to advise that as the central bank of Jamaica, it has no dealings with or involvement in holding funds on behalf of any individual member of the public," stated the BOJ.

Additionally the BOJ stated that it will not be responsible for any legal or other consequences that may arise directly or indirectly as a result of anyone’s reliance on such notification in any attempt to collect these funds, and members of the public are strongly advised to disregard any such notification and instead notify the police.