Belize Police Warn Public of Online Scams, Urges Vigilance in Transactions

The Belize Police Department is asking the public to be vigilant when conducting business online, after an increase of people being scammed out of their money. The Department issued a statement today warning that these scams are prevalent on Facebook and WhatsApp. Trending scams include offering items for sale and opportunities for employment. The Department said it does not wish to discourage conducting business online, but cited several red flags members of the public should look for when conducting such business. Those red flags are quote, “1. The other party refuses to provide proper identification document for himself/herself. 2. The banking information provided is for a third party to the transaction. 3. Shipping of items is not done through a registered courier service. 4. The item or service for sale is below market value. 5. There is an eagerness to accept less than the advertised price,” end of quote. The police also urged people to only conduct online business with known and trusted sources.