Scam Alert: Protecting Your Personal Information

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – AI scams are popping up in countries around the world, and now they’re right here at our doorstep, showing up on the very platforms you use every day, like Facebook and WhatsApp.

Here in The Bahamas, police statistics show that cybercrime now accounts for about 12 percent of all reported crimes, with online scams continuing to rise at an alarming rate.

Director of Information Security at REV, Shakera Johnson, says seniors are often prime targets for scammers because many of these schemes appear highly convincing and legitimate.

Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security, REV:

“AI makes things so much more believable. When you look at the use of different videos and voice recordings, with the use of AI now, these cybercriminals are able to make them that much more believable because they’re able to imitate public figures, known figures, and that makes it that much more convincing to anyone, not just the elderly.”

But Johnson says spotting the warning signs isn’t always straightforward.

Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security, REV:

“You or I may be able to quickly identify a deepfake video. We can notice things like the mouth or the eyes not moving in a natural manner. That may not be as obvious to an elderly person. These are also individuals who, over time, would have accumulated wealth. They have a steady form of income through pensions or their retirement funds. So that makes them not just an easy target, but an attractive target.”

And her reminder is simple: slow down before you act.

Shakera Johnson, Director of Information Security, REV:

“If it’s too good to be true, it more than likely is. Always think before you click. Think before you act. Any person or any message that’s prompting you to do something with urgency, always take a second and really think on it.”

Building on that caution, Assistant Superintendent Durie Smith of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Financial Crimes Investigation Branch says new technology is creating risks that many people may not yet recognize.

Durie Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Financial Crimes Investigation Branch:

“We have these Meta glasses now where people can be looking at you, and you’re unaware that they’re recording you. They’re recording everything that’s going on with you and your car, so they get all of your information just like that. So be very careful about who’s around you.”

Smith says the goal for his unit is for the public and police to work together to stay one step ahead.

Durie Smith, Assistant Superintendent, Financial Crimes Investigation Branch:

“We have all of the tools necessary to protect you from the criminal element, but we need you to let us know what’s happening, and let us know early.”