The V.I. Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent text messages claiming they have outstanding traffic violations and must pay fines online, cautioning that interacting with the messages could expose recipients to identity theft, financial loss or other fraud.
VIPD said Friday that the messages are not connected to the department or any legitimate government agency in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Residents who receive the texts are being advised not to click any links, respond to the messages or provide personal, financial or identifying information. Instead, police are urging recipients to delete the messages immediately.
VIPD also encouraged residents to remain cautious when receiving unsolicited text messages, emails or phone calls requesting payments or sensitive information, and asked the public to share the warning with relatives, friends and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims.
Residents seeking additional information or wishing to report concerns may contact VIPD at 340-778-2211 on St. Croix, 340-774-2211 on St. Thomas and St. John, or the department’s Communication Department at 340-514-8006.
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