Scammers slammed for “obscene and vile” explosion fakes

Tuesday 13 December 2022

Three major banks have been forced to issue warnings to their customers after scammers tried to cheat them into making fake donations to support those affected by the fatal explosion on Pier Road over the weekend.

Carl Walker, Chairman of the Jersey Consumer Council, has described it as "obscene and vile that scammers would stoop so low as to take advantage of these tragedies."

"It just goes to show the complete lack of morals and conscience that scammers have", he said.

Mr Walker added: "I hope islanders can see right though these scams as, unfortunately, they're used to them now.

"People should ensure that they donate through the official channels."

Pictured: Natwest International sent out an email to islanders explaining that "scammers can be more active after such events".

The Government has issued a reminded to islanders to "stay vigilant to fraudsters following recent incidents|".

We'd like to remind Islanders to stay vigilant to fraudsters following recent incidents. Islanders may be targeted by scam emails, calls, or texts asking for donations or their personal details. If Islanders think they may have been targeted, they should contact their bank asap. pic.twitter.com/viZph6IgsS

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 13, 2022

Islanders wishing to donate to those impacted by the recent tragedies are encouraged to do so safely through a special fund set up by the Bailiff.

Lasting until 23 December, the Bailiff's Island Appeal will help islanders affected by the Pier Road explosion this weekend, as well as the loved ones of the fishers lost when their trawler collided with a Condor freight ship last week.

Donations to the Bailiff's Island Appeal can be made by bank transfer using the reference 'Island Appeal' and the following details:

Bank: HSBC

Sort Code: 40-25-34

Account number: 91663933

IBAN: GB80MIDL40253491663933

An online payment form will be available shortly for card payments via the Government website.

If you do not have access to online banking, you can make donations in person using cash or cheques at Customer and Local Services, La Motte Street, St Helier.

Pictured: Warning text messages were also sent to customers of HSBC and Barclays.

Islanders have taken to social media to express their disgust that scammers are taking advantage of the tragedies in which many have lost their lives.

Absolutely disgusted that fraudsters are now targeting people in #JerseyCI saying they are raising funds for the two heart breaking tragedies that have hit our Island. Please don't give to random callers. The Bailiff is launching a fund for both the #explosion and fishing victims

— Gwyn GB Author (@GwynGB) December 13, 2022

The police have general advice for those concerned about fraud:

• Avoid talking to cold callers. Fraudsters like to create confusion, and complete due diligence is advised if approached regarding potential investments. If it sounds too good to be true, then often it is. If in doubt, hang up or otherwise end communication.

• Fraudsters will use the cloak of a reputable business name. Reputable companies will never approach you in this way. Research a company if you have not heard of them, as others may have already reported them as fraudsters.

• Do not be pressurised. Fraudsters like to create urgency or scare you into doing something. Reliable companies (especially banks) will never ask for your PIN, passwords or tell you that they need to move your money.

• Criminals use the current climate / current news to disguise their frauds and scams. Over the past few days, this has been largely related to the Pier Road tragedy.

For further guidance or for details on how to report a fraud attempt, visit the Jersey Fraud Prevention website HERE.