Three American Men Arrested for Committing Credit Card Fraud While Visiting Cayman Islands

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) arrested three men, aged 32, 32, and 33, who are visitors to Cayman, on suspicion of obtaining property by deception. The arrests were made after the men purchased items using card information from multiple cards that appeared to have been fraudulently obtained. Police conducted a search at the premises where the men were located and confiscated various items, including phones, computer equipment, perfumes, and expensive jewelry, believed to have been obtained through the same fraudulent method. The RCIPS is currently investigating multiple instances of credit card fraud where purchases were made without the cardholder’s knowledge or consent, sometimes over the phone or online, and recently in person without providing physical cards or identification.

Businesses that have engaged in transactions involving manually entered card details since March 16, particularly with a group of three American men – two dark-skinned and one light-skinned – are urged to review these transactions and contact the RCIPS Financial Crime Investigation Unit if they suspect any fraudulent activity. The RCIPS is providing advice to the public and businesses on steps to take to prevent falling victim to this type of fraud, including never sharing card details or PINs with others, keeping cards in sight during payments, monitoring accounts for unrecognized payments, and utilizing transaction alerts for immediate reporting of suspicious card transactions. Remote payments should be made through secure platforms instead of over the phone to reduce the risk of fraud.

Businesses are advised to refrain from processing card transactions when individuals cannot produce a physical card with matching identification. It is also recommended for businesses to avoid conducting card transactions over the phone, as a physical card cannot be provided in these instances, increasing the vulnerability to fraud. If individuals suspect they have been a victim of credit card fraud, they are encouraged to contact the RCIPS immediately either by calling 949-4222 or dialing 9-1-1 for assistance. The RCIPS is committed to investigating and addressing instances of credit card fraud to protect the public and businesses from fraudulent activities.

The RCIPS continues to investigate cases of credit card fraud where individuals have made unauthorized purchases using fraudulently obtained credit card details, emphasizing the importance of heightened vigilance and caution when making card transactions. By raising awareness and providing guidance on preventive measures, such as securing card information, monitoring account activity, and utilizing secure payment platforms, the RCIPS aims to reduce the incidence of credit card fraud within the Cayman Islands. Businesses are encouraged to strengthen their card transaction protocols by requiring physical cards and matching identification for all transactions and avoiding phone transactions to mitigate the risk of fraud. By working closely with the community and providing timely updates and advisories, the RCIPS strives to protect the public and businesses from falling victim to credit card fraud schemes.