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Beware Scammers Pretending to be Representatives of the BPWCCUL

Odd Cents - Consumer Affairs

Scammers are pretending to be representatives of the BPWCCUL in an effort to obtain personal information from members.

Con artists are using the name of the Barbados Public Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited (BPWCCUL) to scam Barbadians. The financial institution, which is a safety net for savings of thousands of people on the island, finds itself being wrongfully used to scam and rob unsuspecting members.

In a recent social media post, the BPWCCUL warned its members about the scammers. The notice asks members to be wary of individuals who ask for private personal information, which includes identification documents.

How to Avoid Scammers Pretending to be Representatives

As a general rule, financial institutions should never ask for personal information or any kind of payment over the phone, via text or through email. Personal information includes:

  • Your full name;
  • National registration number;
  • Date of birth;
  • Address;
  • Bank account information;
  • Credit card numbers and
  • Passwords.

Scams can appear in several ways. Be very cautious about calls or texts from strange numbers that ask for information. Most importantly, do not give out or confirm any of your personal information to anyone over the phone. If the caller asks to send funds for a service, refuse and hang up. And if the caller tries to pressure you act quickly, hang up and do not answer if they call back.

Further, the credit union stresses that if you receive a request to provide personal information, it should be provided through one of the following channels:

  1. In person at one of the credit union’s branches
  2. Via a drop box at one of the credit union’s branches
  3. By email to generalinformation@bpwccul.bb
  4. Via postal mail to one of the credit union’s branches

If you are unsure about the request, contact your credit union branch for clarification. They will either confirm or deny the authenticity of the request. Additionally, all requested information which is submitted to the credit union using one of the above methods, will be certified by an authorised representative.

If you recognise suspicious activity or you are a victim of a scam, please contact the Barbados Public Workers’ Co-Operative Credit Union at 246-622-9000 or send an email to contact@bpwccu.bb.