Above: The true sender of this email is called out above. That is not an official government email address.

Over the last two months, it’s becoming increasingly clear that scammers are targeting Trinidad and Tobago locals with fake emails and WhatsApp messages designed to gather personally idenfiable information (PII), the cornerstone of any successful scam, hacking attempt or simple financial theft.

In the latest scheme, a fake email purporting to be from the Ministry of Finance will invite users to click on a link. Do not do so. If you use email, familiarise yourself with your email client or web portal’s tools for revealing the true email address associated with any suspicious or unexpected email you receive. Be particularly alert for emails that demand urgency, quick decisions or otherwise appear to require urgent action.

Take the time to review your direct channels to any government or private sector services that these emails will use to masquerade their true intent.

This is not a communication from the Ministry of Finance.