Protecting Yourself from Scam Messages and Calls

14 October 2026 | Blog | By: CIG Communications

Some advice stands the test of time. For generations, Caymanians have been reminded that “if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.” The way scams reach us may have changed, but that simple advice remains relevant today. This guide is intended to help you recognise the warning signs, check whether a message or call is genuine and know what to do if you think you have been scammed. 

Scams happen around the world, including here in the Cayman Islands. They can take many forms and may use the name of a familiar organisation or Government entity to appear genuine. 

 

For example, you might receive: 

  • a text message or email claiming that a package is waiting for you and asking you to click a link or make a payment 

  • a text message claiming to be from the RCIPS or another Government entity stating that you have an unpaid fine and need to pay immediately 

  • a call appearing to come from your bank, the RCIPS or another familiar organisation asking you to provide payment card details or other financial information. 

 

Receiving a message like this does not automatically mean it is a scam, but you should not rely on the message or caller itself to confirm whether it is genuine. Take the time to independently verify the request before responding, making a payment or sharing personal or financial information. 

 

How Scammers May Contact You 

Scammers can use social media, text messages, emails, messaging apps or phone calls to contact you and convince you to act. Their approach may involve an attractive offer or prize, an urgent problem that needs to be resolved or a request that appears to come from an organisation you know. 

These messages and calls can appear convincing, but they may be designed to get you to send money, share personal or financial information or take another action that puts you at risk.  

  

Be Cautious of Unexpected Messages and Calls 

You should be careful with unexpected messages or calls asking you to act, even if the person or organisation appears familiar or genuine. Scammers can make messages, accounts and phone numbers appear legitimate and may use technology to imitate the appearance or voice of someone you recognise. 

Be particularly cautious if someone asks you to: 

  • provide personal, banking or payment information 

  • make a payment or transfer money 

  • click a link or open an attachment 

  • call or message another number 

  • provide passwords, PINs or security codes 

  • act immediately or keep the request secret. 

  

Do not assume a message or call is genuine simply because the name, number, account, face or voice seems familiar. Scammers may try to make an offer sound exciting or make a situation seem urgent so that you respond without taking time to check whether it is genuine. 

  

Pause and Check Before You Respond 

If a message or caller claims to represent your bank, a Government entity, business or another organisation, do not rely on the contact information they provide to verify the request. Instead, contact the organisation independently using its official website or telephone number. 

If you are unsure whether a message, call or request is genuine, speak to someone you trust before sending money, sharing personal or financial information or taking another action you are unsure about. A second opinion can help you take a moment to consider what you are being asked to do. 

  

Protect Your Information 

Never provide passwords, PINs, one-time passwords (OTPs) or other security codes in response to an unexpected message or call. 

Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information too. Information you provide could be used to access your accounts, make fraudulent transactions or target you with further scams. If someone becomes persistent, pressures you to stay on the phone or tries to stop you from checking what they are telling you, end the conversation. 

  

If You Think You Have Been Scammed 

If you think you have sent money, provided financial information or shared personal information with a scammer, stop communicating with them and take action as soon as possible. 

If you have shared banking or payment information or made a payment, contact your bank or payment provider and explain what has happened. 

Where possible, keep relevant information that may help your financial institution or the authorities understand what happened. This could include: 

  • messages, emails or other correspondence 

  • screenshots of suspicious accounts, profiles or messages 

  • telephone numbers or email addresses used to contact you 

  • dates and approximate times 

  • payment or transaction information 

  • details of what information you provided or actions you took. 

  

You should also report the incident to the police by contacting the Financial Crime Investigation Unit at +1 (345) 949-8797, making a report to your local police station or calling 911 in an emergency. 

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