Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1) has issued a warning concerning a social media scam taking place in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Kim Komando/File

Last month the public was warned not to engage with fake accounts purporting to belong to Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1). Photo: Facebook

Premier Andrew A. Fahie (R1) speaking on VIP Let's Talk on March 2, 2021, said the Facebook scam is targeting the most vulnerable in society. Photo: Facebook

The territory’s leader said the scam is targeting the most vulnerable in society. 

Speaking on the matter during the VIP Let’s Talk radio show on ZBVI 780 AM last night, March 2, 2021, Premier Fahie said: “Persons WhatsApp and stated to me that we must mention the number of politicians Facebook pages that are being hacked and persons posing as them on Facebook.

“It is a real growing concern, and I must highlight it because vulnerable persons are losing out because some of them are actually losing money through this scam, especially those who are up in age; they scam them.”

'Be mindful'

Premier Fahie then urged residents to be cautious when on social media.

“So please be mindful, do not allow anyone asking you to join their page, that they are elected officials, whether it is Government or Opposition, please be careful because there is an ongoing scam with that,” he stated.

Fake FB account

Premier Fahie, back in February 2021, had warned the public not to engage with fake accounts purporting to belong to him.

“Some members of our community have drawn to my attention that fake Facebook and Instagram accounts purporting to be me are once again in circulation,” Honourable Fahie wrote on his Facebook page on Friday, February 12, 2021.

The premier said those who are familiar with him know his real accounts and urged persons to act if they suspect they are being contacted via a fake account.

“I would appreciate your help where if you detect one of these fake accounts, please assist by reporting it as fake to the relevant platform and drop me a note so that I too can report the fake account.

“Please also do not engage with these fake accounts because it is my understanding that if you reply to their messages of click on the links in them they can steal your contact lists and spam your contacts,” Honourable Fahie had stated.