Fake Twitter handle purporting to be USVI Attorney General Denise George Photo Credit: USVI DEPT. OF JUSTICE
A fake Twitter account using V.I. Attorney General Denise George as a username to solicit donations has been suspended, the Consortium can confirm.
In a release issued by the V.I. Dept. of Justice Thursday, D.O.J. said, "The fraudulent messages in the name of Attorney General George, encourage some of the recipients to donate to a charity and notify others about a voucher program that they may be eligible for," stated the V.I. D.O.J. in a release.
“Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of goodwill and generosity by creating fictitious charitable organizations, seeking fraudulent donations by taking money which could otherwise go to those in need," Ms. George said. "The initial communication could come in any form- letter, phone call, email or text message. No matter the form, the goal is the same: to get personal or business information and steal money. I encourage anyone who receives these suspicious messages to delete it."
The account, created in April of this year, had 89 followers before being suspended Friday.
Ms. George reminded the public to disregard texts asking for the verification of personal data, including Medicare or Medicaid information, in exchange for receiving economic stimulus funds or other benefits from the government.
"Government agencies or officials are not sending out emails asking for residents’ personal information to receive funds. She said If you receive a text or email from any source claiming to come from a government agency or employee with an attachment or link asking you to open it or click on it, do not do it until you verify it is authentic," stated the release.
For information regarding SCAM prevention, assistance, and up-to-date tips, please visit:
• The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs [email protected]
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