(CNS): The immigration department has raised the red flag about scammers posing as employment agents and taking money from people looking to work in the Cayman Islands for immigration services that only WORC can provide. According to immigration officials these immigration related frauds are being closely monitored by the relevant agencies who are collaborating on investigations and strengthening oversight to protect the public from exploitation.
These individuals, who are not authorised immigration service providers, mislead persons by making false claims and promises relating to them remaining in the Cayman Islands and other immigration services in exchange for payment, officials explained. But once people hand over the money the scammers disappear. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution and to use only reputable immigration service providers.
Michael Myles, Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration said protecting the integrity of the immigration processes is a shared responsibility. “My Ministry and WORC take these reports very seriously. Dishonest individuals are taking advantage of those seeking legitimate immigration assistance, and we will not tolerate such conduct,” he added.
The Home Affairs minister Nickolas DaCosta said the borders are the first line of defence. “Those who attempt to bypass or undermine our immigration and security systems not only break the law but put others at risk. We remain vigilant and are committed to working closely with our partners at WORC and other agencies to identify and stop fraudulent activities that target vulnerable persons,” he satated.
Scams in relation to immigration are not uncommon and while some are purely online in the most recent cases individuals are posing as agents who posts ads on social media for people seeking employment in Cayman. These online adverts usually offer package deals that offer a work permit for certain job categories, such as construction, admin or janitorial work among others, and claim to include accommodation and a flight to the Cayman Islands.
But when the person pays the money to the ‘agency’ or ‘agent’ the con merchants cut off all contact and no longer respond to emails or phone and can’t be located again.
Anyone who believes they or someone they know have been approached by an unauthorised individual or has been a victim of fraudulent activity is encouraged to report the matter immediately by emailing worccomplaints@gov.ky, or make a report anonymously online via worc.ky.
