JCF warns of new fraud scheme targeting motor vehicle sellers

Jamaica Gleaner | 2025-12-01 | Original Article

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has issued a warning to members of the public following reports of scammers posing as police officers and extorting money from persons who have sold or are planning to sell their motor vehicles.

 

According to the advisory, “criminals are reportedly contacting vehicle sellers via telephone, pretending to be police officers, and claiming that the vehicles they sold are stolen property.”

 

The scammers reportedly demand money while promising to prevent prosecution or reimburse the alleged buyer.

 

“Under the pretence of helping the sellers avoid prosecution or reimbursing the supposed buyer, these scammers demand immediate cash payments from the sellers," the statement added.

 

The JCF says the fraudsters are also using unsuspecting ride-share drivers. It said scammers are enlist unsuspecting ride-share drivers to collect cash from victims and transport the funds to various drop-off locations.

 

“Under no circumstances should you pay money to individuals making such demands over the phone," the statement said. “Remember that no legitimate police operation involves soliciting or collecting money from citizens to settle criminal matters or reimburse third parties.”

 

The police told members of the public that if they receive a call of this nature, the should hang up immediately and report the incident to the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 311.

 

Ride-share operators are being cautioned that transporting the proceeds of crime may implicate you in criminal activities.

 

Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett of the Counter-Terrorism and Organized Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) said investigators are following the reports closely.

 

“These fraudsters are using fear and urgency to manipulate victims into bypassing their better judgement. We implore the public to refrain from engaging with these individuals if they receive such calls. We are actively looking into these incidents and ask citizens to report them to the police," he said.

 

The public may report cases by calling C-TOC at 876-967-1389, 119, or any police station.

 

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