Corporal McQueen Warns Trinidadians of Sophisticated Online Money Scams on Freedom 106.5 FM

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – During a live “Cyber Check” segment on Freedom 106.5 FM, host Carrie V sat down with Corporal McQueen of the Cyber and Social Media Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) to discuss the surge of online money-scam activity affecting citizens of all ages.\n\nCorporal McQueen explained that the most prevalent scams are phishing (fraudulent emails that appear to come from legitimate banks or institutions) and smishing (deceptive text-message scams). Scammers often masquerade as well-known entities such as Republic Bank, using official-looking logos and language to lure victims into providing personal data, passwords or banking details.\n\n> “They send an email that looks legitimate, or a text that looks like it’s from your bank, ask you to click a link, and then they harvest your credentials,” McQueen said.\n\nThe officer described the typical investment-prize scams that promise a prize or high-return investment in exchange for a small upfront fee. Scammers may also disguise themselves with altered email addresses (e.g., using “@” in place of “a”) to make fraudulent sites appear genuine.\n\nCorporal McQueen highlighted the digital platforms most exploited by fraudsters:\n\n* Email (the most common vector)\n* Facebook\n* WhatsApp\n* Instagram\n* TikTok\n* General email marketing\n\nHe warned that even users who consider themselves “tech-savvy” can fall prey if they are not vigilant, especially the elderly who may be less familiar with digital security practices.\n\nTo protect listeners, the TTPS Cyber Unit advises:\n\n* Never click on unsolicited links in emails or texts.\n* Verify the sender’s identity by contacting the institution directly using official contact numbers.\n* Avoid providing personal or financial information in response to unexpected messages.\n* Report suspicious communications to the police via the dedicated WhatsApp line 306 1065.\n\nThe conversation also included real-time caller interactions. A listener from Chaguanas thanked Corporal McQueen for the information, noting the value of the program’s “submission” (i.e., reporting) guidance. Additional callers described encountering fake letters and “small-fee” scams that mimic legitimate business communications.\n\nCarrie V concluded the segment by encouraging the public to stay alert, use the TTPS cyber-unit’s WhatsApp number for questions, and tune in to future “Cyber Check” episodes for ongoing education on digital safety.\n\nThe interview underscores the growing sophistication of online fraud in Trinidad and Tobago and the proactive steps law enforcement is taking to educate and protect the community.