The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

Grand Bahama Police are investigating over $100,000 in reported credit card fraud on the island, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police BK Bonamy Jr.

“We have narrowed it down to ten persons who may be responsible,” he said.

ACP Bonamy said they are seeing an increase in cyber crime activity, particularly with credit cards.

He warned people to never give anyone their credit card number.

ACP Bonamy also said there are some risks with online banking. “I understand it is way to go, but be careful,” he said.

A Central Bank of the Bahamas annual report released in May 2020 revealed fraud involving credit cards, debit cards and checks tripled from 2,638 in 2020 to 8,337 in 2021.

It was found that although the number of fraud events increased substantially, they involved smaller transactions that amounted to a total value of $2.6m, which was 50 percent less than 2020.

In terms of businesses, Mr Bonamy said employee theft is also common. He encourages business owners to also install cameras to view activities at the cash register.

He discourages installation of window coverings that prevent passersby or the police from seeing what is happening on the inside as there could be a robbery taking place.

ACP Bonamy said he has increased police visibility, and has instructed his officers on patrol to stop and check on businesses in their areas.