Persons Urged to Beware of Fraudulent Customs Brokers

Commanding Officer of the Newport West Police Formation, Superintendent Rochelle McGibbon Scott, is urging members of the public, both here and abroad, to exercise great caution, as a trend is emerging where persons are impersonating customs brokers.

In a recent interview with JIS News, Superintendent McGibbon Scott said there has been an increase in reports involving individuals posing as legitimate customs brokers, particularly in virtual and remote spaces.

“These so-called brokers often advertise vehicles or other goods online, targeting unsuspecting victims (many of whom are overseas), who send money without verifying the legitimacy of the business,” the Commanding Officer said.

“We have seen situations where persons simply search online for a broker, send funds, and upon returning to Jamaica, discover that the broker does not exist. In some cases, when reports are made, and checks are conducted, the business entities are not listed in any official directory, confirming that these individuals were scammed,” she continued.

As such, Superintendent McGibbon Scott and her team at the Newport West Police Formation are advising persons conducting business from overseas to take additional precautions.

Individuals are encouraged to ask a trusted family member or friend in Jamaica to physically verify the existence of a business or visit the nearest police station for assistance before engaging in any financial transactions.

The Newport West Police Formation is a specialised unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) within the Ports Division, focusing on security and policing for Jamaica’s major port areas, particularly Newport West.

Their mission is to create a safe environment for business, combat crimes like larceny and scams through community partnerships with port stakeholders, and focus on vigilance and proactive policing for trade security.