The Bahamas government says it is aware of a scam through which fraudsters are using social media to circulate a message ‘falsely claiming to offer government-backed opportunities, priority access to contracts, business licensing support, grants and investment partnerships under the leadership of Prime Minister Philip E. Davis’. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said ‘this message is a scam’ and that both the Prime Minister and the government ‘have no connection to this message, group, WhatsApp number, or any so-called ‘PLP Empowerment’ partnership network’.
It said government contracts, business licences, permits and grants are handled through ‘lawful and transparent processes’ and ‘are never offered through private WhatsApp solicitations, investment groups, or messages asking persons to share personal information in exchange for special access’.
The government is urging members of the public ‘to avoid engaging with the message, avoid sharing personal information, avoid sending money and report any suspicious communication to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
‘The unauthorized use of the Prime Minister’s name, the Office of the Prime Minister or the Government of The Bahamas in any fraudulent scheme will be referred to the proper authorities,’ the statement added,.