The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) is warning residents about an ongoing WhatsApp impersonation scam in which criminals gain control of accounts linked to local phone numbers and then use them to request money from the victim’s contacts.

According to police, scammers are obtaining victims’ six-digit WhatsApp verification codes and using the codes to gain unauthorised access to accounts. Once inside, they send urgent financial requests to people in the account holder’s contact list.

RCIPS is advising residents to never share their WhatsApp verification code and to activate WhatsApp two-step verification. Police also recommend enabling multi-factor authentication on other frequently used online accounts and reviewing privacy settings.

Residents should be particularly cautious when receiving unexpected messages, links or requests for financial information. Police recommend calling the person directly if a WhatsApp contact suddenly asks for money, even when the number appears familiar.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or whose WhatsApp account may have been compromised is encouraged to contact RCIPS at 949-4222. Investigations into the reported scams remain ongoing.