Cops investigating real estate fraud post-Melissa

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) is reporting that it is actively investigating recent reports of real estate fraud being perpetrated against persons who have been impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank earlier this week, Deputy Director of the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Division, Acting Senior Superintendent Victor Barrett, noted that the reports are concerning, as persons are capitalising off people's tragedy.

"Yes, we see persons purporting to be realtors in offering homes for rental, because we know persons in the western side of the island have been displaced, and there's a great urgency for shelter, so we are seeing that," he said. Barrett explained that scammers are exploiting the urgent need for accommodation among persons displaced by the hurricane.

"So, they are playing on the impulse of the weak right now... if you have a house with your children and it was destroyed by Melissa, you need somewhere to go," he said. He noted that fraudsters are using social media platforms to lure victims.

"So, what they do is that they would post on social media that a house in a particular area is for rent. And there might be several persons on the waiting list, so you need to hurry. And then you want somewhere for your children, so you rush, transfer $50,000 to hold the space or to hold for viewing. And then within a few seconds, you can't reach them anymore. So, they play on the emotion of the weak and it's very sad," he said.

He assured the public that the JCF is fully committed to safeguarding Jamaicans amid these emerging threats.