Cayman Islands Smishing Bank Campaign Sees 3rd Arrest

Executive Summary

Police have arrested three individuals between November 18 and December 3, 2024, following an investigation as a result of a smishing campaign targeting local banking customers within the Cayman Islands. Several victims were confirmed to have lost undisclosed amounts of money.

The first individual, a 24 year old male of Bodden Town, was arrested as a result of investigations performed during the initial Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) publication release on November 18, 2024. On November 28, 2024, police arrested a second individual, a 21 year old male of George Town, on suspicion of money laundering offenses, as a result of investigations linked to the same campaign. On December 3, 2024, a 19 year old male of George Town was also arrested.

All three three men have been bailed as investigations continue.

This fraudulent campaign raises awareness and highlights the importance of remaining vigilant for the upcoming festive season, as fraudsters often increase their attempts to target individuals through smishing—fraudulent text messages pretending to be from legitimate businesses.

Never click on links in unsolicited messages claiming to be from your bank.

Do not share personal information, such as passwords or account details.

Verify messages directly by contacting your bank through official channels.

Protect yourself and your finances. Stay vigilant, and when in doubt, always double-check!

References

1. UPDATE: Third Man Arrested in Relation to Text Message Scam, 3 December | URL: https://www.rcips.ky/update-police-arrest-man-in-relation-to-text-message-scam-18-november

2. Third man arrested in text message bank scam probe | URL: https://www.caymancompass.com/2024/12/03/third-man-arrested-in-text-message-bank-scam-probe/

3. UPDATE: Third Man Arrested in Relation to Text Message Scam | URL: https://www.radiocayman.gov.ky/news/update-third-man-arrested-in-relation-to-text-message-scam