Fraud poses a serious threat to our financial system. In most cases, people are being misled to believe that they will benefit from receiving a large quantity of cash after taking certain steps.
Before you act, the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago urges all citizens to STOP!
Follow these simple steps to learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones:
When you receive any request for personal information, money, or immediate action—whether from someone you know or don’t know—the first and most important step is to STOP. Do not react immediately, even if the request seems urgent or comes from what appears to be a trusted source.
Scammers deliberately create a sense of urgency to prevent you from thinking clearly. They know that when you feel pressured to act quickly, you are more likely to make poor decisions. By simply pausing and taking time to review the request carefully, you are already protecting yourself from one of their most effective tactics.
What to look out for:
After stopping to review the request, evaluate what you’re being offered. The old saying “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” remains one of the best defenses against fraud. Legitimate organisations and genuine opportunities rarely promise huge rewards for minimal effort or investment.
Consider the logic of the situation: Why would a stranger offer you thousands of dollars? Why would a bank need you to verify your account information through email when they already have all your details? Why would a government agency ask for payment through gift cards or wire transfers?
What to look out for:
Carefully observe how the person or organisation is communicating with you. Legitimate businesses and institutions maintain professional standards in their communications and don’t use high-pressure tactics to force immediate decisions. Scammers, however, often exhibit specific behavioural patterns designed to manipulate and control their victims.
Pay attention to the quality of communication, the sender’s urgency, and any attempts to isolate you from seeking advice from others. Fraudsters often try to create emotional responses (fear, excitement, or sympathy) to cloud your judgment.
What to look out for:
The final and most crucial step is verification. Never take the word of someone contacting you; always independently verify their claims through official channels. Contact the organisation they claim to represent using contact information you find yourself, not what they provide.
The Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago will never request payment or personal information from citizens to access services or benefits. If someone claims to be from a financial institution, bank, or government agency, hang up and call the organisation directly using their official phone number from their website or your account statements.
What to look out for:
If you suspect that you or someone who you know may be a victim of fraud, you should contact the Trinidad and Tobago Police, Fraud Squad at 1(868) 625-2310; 1(868) 623-2644, or 1(868) 652-8594 or email: fraud@ttps.gov.tt.
By following these four steps: Stop, Think, Observe, Prove, you create multiple layers of protection against fraud. Each step gives you another opportunity to identify red flags and avoid becoming a victim of scammers who prey on quick decisions and emotional responses.
Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics. Stay updated on the latest threats and protection measures by following our social media channels and checking this page regularly.
Check out Anti-Fraud tips from the Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago
Remain Vigilant!
