Public Advisory
New WhatsApp Scam
Wed, 2020-10-28
A new WhatsApp scam has emerged in which a message is sent out, via SMS, by individuals purporting to be part of the WhatsApp technical team, asking users to share their verification code in order to verify that their account is genuine.
Responding to this message, allows the scammers access to your account, your contacts and your messages.
Detective Inspector Derricka Burns of the Specialist Crime Unit advised: WhatsApp rarely message users via the app. If they do, it is for global announcements, and their messages include a green verified indicator alongside the logo and the account name.
Also, WhatsApp never asks for your data or verification code and you should never be handing out six-digit PIN numbers to anyone.”
Inspector Burns added: “You can take extra security measures by setting up the two-step verification for your WhatsApp account.
This means even if someone does get hold of your six-digit number, they will still need an extra password to access your account. Instructions for setting up two-step verification, is available in the settings area of the app.”
Read MoreSerious Collision Parson's Lane, Pembroke
Thu, 2020-09-17
The Bermuda Police Service is investigating a two vehicle collision which took place on Parson's Lane, Pembroke, shortly after noon today.
Reports are an electric rental vehicle was traveling north along Parson's Lane, when the driver appeared to have lost control and collided with a motorcar traveling in the opposite direction.
The driver of the rental vehicle sustained serious injury to her right arm and was transported via ambulance to King Edward Hospital for treatment.
The female driver of the other vehicle escaped injury.
Both vehicles were extensively damaged.
The roadway was cordoned off for a time and traffic diverted, as Traffic Collision Investigators and officers from the BPS Forensic Support Unit processed the scene.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011.
WhatsApp Scam Advisory
Thu, 2020-09-17
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS), is aware of WhatsApp messages being circulated advising users of the messaging app, that they’ve won a significant sum of money.
Recipients of this message are being asked to submit a “winning code”, as well as provide personal information to an email address provided.
The message is being sent from overseas numbers.
This all part of a growing trend of phishing scams.
SCAM E-MAILS AND ADVERTISEMENTS
Mon, 2020-07-20
SCAM E-MAILS AND ADVERTISEMENTS
The Bermuda Police Service wishes to advise the public of a scam email promoting an investment opportunity supposedly endorsed by Premier David Burt.
Premier Burt is referred to as “Prime Minister Burt” in the scam email, which invites individuals to invest in a crypto-currency opportunity, promising significant returns.
The e-mail when opened forwards the user to a fraudulent investment platform which is used to harvest credit card details.
The scam also takes the form of various advertisements on social media platforms, but more often than not, Facebook.
Members of the public are reminded to be more vigilant than usual during these difficult economic times in order to avoid falling victim to such scams, given that they are constantly changing, as those responsible continue in their effort to fleece the unsuspecting of their hard earned cash.
Residents Reminded to be Wary of the Mystery Shopper Scam
Sat, 2020-06-20
The Bermuda Police Service is once again reminding residents to be wary of the mystery shopper scam, as a number of residents have recently reported falling victim to the ruse.
The scam entices local social media users by offering employment as a mystery shopper that allegedly has the potential to earn thousands of dollars by completing simple tasks – such as purchasing certain items, then reporting back on their shopping experience.
If a local resident agrees to be a mystery shopper, they will usually receive a quantity of money into their personal bank account. A small amount of the total, they are told, can be kept as payment for their mystery shopper services.
They are then asked to withdraw the remainder of the cash and instructed to send that money overseas via a local money service business.
However, any funds deposited into local accounts through this scheme often originate from crime – mainly phishing scams or other electronic fraud – and local residents deceived by this scam are unwittingly being used to launder criminal proceeds.
Local banks are already vigilant for this suspicious activity and are likely to freeze the assets of any resident’s account found to be involved in the mystery shopper scam.
Recent Robberies
Thu, 2020-05-28
There have recently been a number of incidents where individuals who have posted items for sale on social media, are relieved of the items without receiving payment upon showing up at an agreed location to complete these transactions.
There have also been instances where prospective buyers are relieved of cash without receiving the item advertised.
The BPS advises against cash transactions and instead, have payment transferred into a bank account.
If this is not possible and there must be a face to face exchange of cash, please arrange to carry out such transactions during the daylight hours, in high traffic areas.
This will minimise the risk of you being robbed of your cash, or item you’re selling.
Also, make sure that you are shown proper proof of ownership of the item being sold, so as to avoid falling victim to purchasing stolen goods.
Missing Person Chavelle Dillon-Burgess
Tue, 2020-05-05
The Bermuda police Service today renewed its appeal for assistance in locating missing person, Chavelle Dillion Burgess.
During a press conference at the Hamilton Police Station, Acting Superintendent Arthur Glasford stated, "Mrs Dillon-Burgess who is 26 years old and resides in Warwick Parish was reported as missing to Police on Thursday April 30th 2020 by family and friends.
She has not been seen or been spoken to since on or around or the Easter Weekend. 
There is a concern for her safety and wellbeing as it is highly uncommon for Mrs Dillon-Burgess to not make contact with her loved ones and close friends.
The Bermuda Police Service is seeking the public’s help in locating Mrs Dillon-Burgess who is the mother of an 18 month old child.
The Bermuda Police Service is interested in speaking with anyone who may have information on where she can be located or any sightings of her during their recent day to day travels.
Mrs Dillon-Burgess is described as being 5’ 4’ in height, of slim build and brown complexion.
Government House Public Advisory
Sun, 2020-04-12
On Monday afternoon [13-Apr-2020], two helicopters from Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA Argus will conduct familiarisation flights over a number of helicopter landing sites across Bermuda. This was last done in 2014 and is a key part of the hurricane preparedness plan for the island. No personnel from the two helicopters will be granted permission to physically land on Bermuda during the brief stopover.
Missing Person Robert Douglas
Mon, 2020-03-30
The Bermuda Police Service is still seeking the public’s assistance in locating 71 year old Robert Douglas.
The My Lord’s Bay Lane Hamilton Parish resident was last seen at around 4:00 p.m. on, Tuesday 24th March, near his home.
He is described as being between 6’ 2” and 6’ 3” tall, of slim build and dark complexion.
When last seen he was wearing a faded blue hat, blue sweat top with a dark long sleeve shirt underneath, black long sweatpants, long red socks
and black sneakers with a white trim.
Mr. Douglas usually walks between his residence and the Crawl Hill Esso service station and the Shelly Bay Market Place.
There have been several reported sightings of Mr. Douglas by members of the public. Officers have been conducting extensive searches in areas of reported sightings as well in the areas of parks trails and nature reserves near his residence.
The whereabouts of Mr. Douglas is a matter of priority to the BPS and anyone with information on the whereabouts of Robert Douglas, is asked to contact the main police number, 247-1624.
We would also ask, that if you come into contact with Mr. Douglas, please remain with him until the arrival of police.
