Fraud Reports Fall 32 7%, But Losses Surge To More Than TT$167 Million
Despite a 32.7% decline in reports made to the TTPS Fraud Squad between January and July 2026, compared to the same period last year, the value of fraud cases surged to more than TT$167 million due to an increase in fraudulent cheques.
Superintendent Arnold Lutchman of the Fraud Squad Division of the T&T Police Service said while reports declined across several categories, the number of charges laid against suspects increased.
« Our charges laid against fraudsters increased to 141 charges from the previous year, 125 charges, representing a 12.8% increase. »
Senior Superintendent Michael Jackman said the Fraud Squad also recorded five cases this year in which victims paid TT dollars in exchange for US currency, resulting in losses totalling TT$1.45 million.
« The reported fact showed that the victims transferred or handed over cash on the representation that US currency will be supplied. The US currency was never received by the victims. »
Inspector Marvin Francis also warned of the growing use of forged and stolen cheques, highlighting several warning signs.
« So the actual cheque appears to be altered, damaged or inconsistent – inconsistent in terms of figures and words written on the cheque. Additionally, the purchaser is reluctant to provide valid information, and even if they provide information of identification, it is sent via WhatsApp. »
Another emerging threat is cyber-enabled fraud, including smishing, where fraudsters use deceptive text messages posing as legitimate financial institutions.
Inspector Francis advised the public not to click suspicious links or follow instructions requesting passwords, banking details or other sensitive information.
« If you have any issue or doubt about your account, you can contact your institution the traditional way, call and ask for some information, to make sure you do not become a target of this offence. »
The TTPS is also warning the public against investment scams.
« Any person offering an investment opportunity must be registered with one of the regulatory bodies or agencies we have in Trinidad and Tobago. We have the TTSE, or the Trinidad and Tobago Stock Exchange; we have the TTSEC, the Trinidad and Tobago Securities and Exchange Commission, and we have the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago. »
While travel-related fraud and scams involving travel agencies are on the decline, Superintendent Lutchman advised travellers to exercise caution when making bookings.
« Verify the booking directly, with the airline, with the hotel, the cruise line, and any other provider that’s providing that service that you are paying for. »
He also encouraged consumers to obtain and retain all invoices and receipts as proof of payment.
