Police warn of counterfeit US notes at Port of Kingston

The Newport West Police is alerting members of the public and business operators at the Port of Kingston to be on alert for counterfeit notes, including United States (US) currency.

Speaking at a recent JIS Think Tank, Commanding Officer of the Newport West Police Formation, Superintendent Rochelle McGibbon Scott, said that in recent weeks, the police have seen an uptick in incidents involving counterfeit US notes being passed at commercial establishments. She noted that in one confirmed case, an individual conducted a transaction using a US$100 note at an establishment at the port, received goods and left the premises.

Subsequent checks revealed that the note was counterfeit, despite initially passing through basic detection methods.

Video footage and images linked to this incident are now part of an active police investigation.

Superintendent Rochelle McGibbon Scott said investigations indicate that these incidents are not isolated but appear to involve an organised group targeting businesses and unsuspecting citizens.

"We are, therefore. urging members of the public to exercise caution. Changing foreign currency notes for people you do not know can result in significant financial loss. What may seem like a simple favour could cost thousands of dollars," she warne. Business operators are strongly advised to be vigilant when handling money. "All currency - US dollars, Jamaican dollars, or any other notes, should be properly checked using reliable detection machines. If you suspect that a note is counterfeit, do not raise an alarm or confront the individual," the Commanding Officer cautioned.

"What we recommend instead is to discreetly contact the Newport West Police at 876-412-9211. Our officers, including trained Criminal Investigation Branch operatives in plain clothes, will respond promptly and take the necessary action," she said.

Superintendent McGibbon Scott is also encouraging all Jamaicans to remain on high alert when carrying large sums of cash. "Avoid displaying or handling excessive amounts of money in public. Separate your cash so you are only accessing what you intend to spend at a particular location," she advised.

Business operators are further advised to practise sound cash management. "Secure excess cash regularly and utilise certified and legitimate money transfer and courier services when moving funds to banks or other locations. The use of unofficial couriers places both the money and the individual at risk and is strongly discouraged," Commanding Officer said. The Newport West Police Formation is a specialised unit of the Jamaica Constabulary Force(JCF), within the Ports Division, focusing on security and policing for Jamaica's major port areas, particularly Newport West.

Its mission is to create a safe environment for business, combatting crimes like larceny and scams through community partnerships with port stakeholders, focusing on vigilance and proactive policing for trade security.

- JIS

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