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00:00 This program is unsuitable for young children.
00:04 This program contains strong language and may not be suitable for young people under the age of 18.
00:11 This program contains strong language and may not be suitable for young people under the age of 18.
00:16 [Music]
00:42 Beyond the Tape will be back after these messages.
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01:36 I grew up in a country, small little town called Bougman Atras in Santa Cruz.
01:42 Very special place to grow up in.
01:45 And now as an adult, I think of those children in Trinidad and Tobago who do not have a safe place.
01:53 Who are maybe not even lying in their own beds or a bed.
01:58 And there's no roof to shade them from the sun, nor to protect them from the rain.
02:04 When I started looking at Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago,
02:09 they answered a call I have deep inside of me.
02:13 What they were saying to me was that we can make a difference.
02:18 I'd like to ask you to consider coming on board.
02:21 Consider helping Habitat for Humanity in whatever way you can.
02:26 [Music]
02:36 [Music]
02:44 Trinidad and Tobago and welcome to Beyond the Tape.
02:46 It is Monday the 20th of May.
02:49 My name is Whitney Husbands.
02:51 Now, before we dive into what took place over the weekend because it was a lot.
02:56 I had a moment where I had some errands to make today.
03:01 And those errands that I had to make today, I had to of course pay my bills.
03:05 And those are main things that most of us as low-abiding citizens may have to do.
03:09 And while paying my bill, I'm standing there and I'm saying, okay, all these things I have to say about
03:14 because you know you analyze any things that you have to put together and make sure that you pay for.
03:20 And while I'm leaving here, I jump in my car and I'm saying, I have to spend all this money on surveillance services,
03:28 security services to protect my family and myself where I can use that same money to save
03:36 or even to do something that is pleasing to me, to bring comfort to me.
03:41 But the comfort that I am seeking is security.
03:44 And that is a scary thing.
03:45 Even imagine, even in my mind I'm thinking persons who may open a business.
03:50 And when they open this business, they have to study, should I really open this business?
03:56 Because there are individuals who may watch them and believe in their minds that they are making so much money
04:02 that you need to pay taxes.
04:04 And I'm not speaking about the state.
04:05 I'm speaking about extortion.
04:08 And that is what we are seeing, the trend that is happening in Trinidad and Tobago.
04:12 And with that being said, we have a member from the TTPS, acting senior superintendent, Arlette Groom,
04:20 the head of the Fraud Squad with us this evening.
04:23 And we'd like to welcome him.
04:24 Thank you so much for being here with us this evening.
04:27 Good afternoon, Ma'am Whitney.
04:29 Yes.
04:30 To the public of Trinidad and Tobago, I am acting senior superintendent, head of the Fraud Squad unit, Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
04:39 Fraud Squad is one of three units which form the White Color Crime Division.
04:45 We are in company with Anti-Corruption and the Financial Investigative Branch.
04:51 Being the first unit to be formed, we performed all the functions at one time.
04:56 So our role and functions, they overlap at times, but so we do corruption matters,
05:02 and we also do, like, money laundering matters and the fraudulent matters that come to us.
05:08 So it's not a problem when you see that anti-corruption and the roles are reversed.
05:14 We were the premier persons involved, and we come under this umbrella, White Color,
05:20 and it's significant because we all do probably one and the same thing,
05:25 because all is corruption and fraud is involved in corruption, and then we need to follow the money trail.
05:32 So that's a little insight on what we do, and primarily to investigate white color crimes. Thank you.
05:40 So at this time, of course, we will dive in more with persons,
05:44 because I know a lot of people want to know a little bit more about white color crimes and what that consists of.
05:49 Apart from that, we have persons on a daily basis,
05:52 because we have a lot of persons shopping online and using their credit card as they go to.
05:56 A lot of, especially young persons, try to stay away from using cash,
06:01 and of course we'll inform them ways to protect themselves and not to make themselves an easy target
06:08 when it comes to using your credit card and, of course, shopping online, which is a trend that we see a lot of.
06:14 So at this time, let's take a look at what made the headlines over the weekend into today.
06:19 [Music]
06:23 [Music]
06:26 [Music]
06:51 [Music]
06:54 And at this time, we're going to dive straight into some of the headlines that we saw, of course.
07:11 Some of the criminal elements that are out there, and we're seeing what is taking place,
07:16 and we have to discuss some of the disturbing videos also that we saw.
07:22 Starting off with the kidnapping of a 27-year-old Anisha Hosein,
07:29 and that is the daughter of owner of Sauce Doubles, was kidnapped in El Dorado on Saturday morning.
07:36 She has not been yet found. Now, police said searches were conducted in El Dorado and St. Joseph.
07:42 However, up to last night, she had not been located.
07:46 Officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Northern Division were aiding with the investigations.
07:52 Police also told the experts furthermore, of course, they were being assisted by several parties,
07:58 including the Hunter Search and Rescue Team.
08:02 Now, investigators are examining a series of voice notes also,
08:06 in which a man was demanding $6,000 from the family for the continued operation of the Doubles business in the area.
08:16 Now, we're speaking of extortion that we're seeing here thus far,
08:21 and of course, we don't know how authentic this voice note is, but I know the investigation continues here.
08:27 But this is not something new that we are seeing in Trinidad and Tobago, where business owners are concerned,
08:33 and persons believe they have the right to come and, as we say, tax individuals who own businesses that they believe is profitable.
08:42 What I can say is that it's unfortunate for the business owners, because crime criminals.
08:51 So, the criminal wants money easily. They don't want to work for a monthly paycheck that's too long.
08:59 As criminals have told me in the past, I cannot wait until 30 days to get a paycheck. That's too long.
09:08 So, who do they target? People who seem to have money.
09:12 But let me tell you, as a parent, it irks me that I have children out there going to school, going to work,
09:19 and it rests upon the mind that, would I wake up to hear a call?
09:25 So, first let me say to the grieving families, I mean, who have their loved ones, they don't know what is the outcome.
09:35 I pray God that they are safe. I pray God that the police would make an inroad to recover,
09:43 because at this stage, we don't know what is authentic. If it's a true off, we don't even know why.
09:51 But the police, I believe, the anti-kidnapping and other units are on top of this kidnapping.
09:59 Now, sir, with regards to persons who are being extorted, and as I mentioned before,
10:05 this is not the first time we have heard persons saying persons who are in the, well, the criminal elements
10:11 that are in the area and they're letting them know they have to pay a certain amount of money.
10:15 How could the TTPs get involved in at least finding a way to arrest these individuals?
10:21 Is it that you'll have to do a sting operation when persons call and inform the officers?
10:26 Because, of course, these evil persons will let them know, if you only call the police, we will do XYZ,
10:32 we'll come and burn down your business, we'll come and harm your family.
10:36 But what is there to protect the business owners who are in positions like that?
10:42 There are, some may be able to afford private security because the police cannot be there 24/0 at every business.
10:50 We can agree on that. But let's take it like this.
10:55 If nobody says anything or cooperates to the extent where a ring can be broken,
11:01 where is the information coming from? Who is going to stand up and say, "Yay"?
11:05 Who is not afraid to say, "I can't take this no more"? Or decides that, "I know the consequences may be X."
11:15 And we have to look at how the rational human being under fear may think.
11:20 So, do I risk my family or do I pay? And this is what the question is operating.
11:28 And if I don't pay, what next?
11:31 Because I think if you pay, that is starting a terrible trend because they will continuously come out, they will never stop.
11:37 But if it is, I do reach out, I am being extorted, my family, my employees, my business, and I do reach out to the TTPS.
11:46 What could the TTPS do really and truly to help protect myself and persons who work for me and my family members?
11:54 As you say, a sting operation may be helpful in those circumstances.
11:59 I cannot less agree with you more.
12:02 So, hopefully that is what is done to assist the persons who may be in those positions.
12:07 You could really reach out to the TTPS and find a way. I think the worst thing to do is really pay.
12:11 To start that, that will start in a slippery slope.
12:15 Moving right along with regards to a police chase that took place and it was actually caught on camera,
12:22 not just on CCTV, but also from individuals or individuals who was in the area.
12:28 Now, a stolen vehicle, firearm recovered after a Kanupia robbery.
12:32 Quick action from the Central Division Task Force officers led to the arrest of a robbery suspect,
12:38 the recovery of a stolen vehicle, and the seizure of a firearm on yesterday.
12:48 Quick work from the officers that we are seeing here.
12:52 I am happy to see, even when I was going through some of the comments online,
12:56 the first reaction is, "Why they had to shoot?"
13:00 That is the first thing when the officers involved in a police shooting is that,
13:06 "Nobody had a gun, why they had to shoot first?"
13:08 But I think people now realize how serious it is and the officers, how they put their lives on the line
13:14 to protect the majority of the citizens as best as they can.
13:18 And we saw that here.
13:21 And many persons, thank God, in this situation, we saw persons, innocent individuals on the nation's roads
13:28 where their vehicle that we are seeing here right now is damaged, but praying to God that they are okay.
13:34 But the suspect was definitely, was held and was able to be stopped.
13:40 So, to the officers, a job well done.
13:44 And I hope none of the officers were injured, because I think people are fed up now.
13:48 We have reached the point where it is, they're doing the most.
13:53 The criminal elements are doing the most.
13:55 It has reached home now.
13:57 Yeah, it is going to reach home to every one of us.
13:59 It is there.
14:00 You can't turn a blind eye to any of this, regardless of where you live.
14:06 And many times I think persons who believe, because I live in a gated community, can't reach there.
14:13 It is getting very bad.
14:14 It is.
14:15 And it's seeping through cracks that you never thought it would have.
14:20 So, you see, when you make something foolproof, up comes another quality, a fool.
14:26 So, you now have to go and reinvent the wheel.
14:29 So, looking at the video, what I would say is that the criminals only want to avoid capture.
14:38 So, it doesn't matter what damage is done or who is injured.
14:44 Look at the cars and the slamming.
14:47 Where the cars stop, let us say you and your child were now going to the supermarket or crossing the road.
14:53 You are not expecting that?
14:56 And what happens? Are you grieving?
14:59 And the criminal, if they escape, goes on to another enterprise.
15:03 So, I'm happy to know that my colleagues were able to stem this one and that at least -- I don't like when people die.
15:13 I don't like when people die, whether it be the criminals or the victims.
15:19 What I believe in reform.
15:21 My belief is that people can change if they have the right reason to change.
15:26 But they will want to -- they have to --
15:28 They have to want to change.
15:30 It can't just be way forcing.
15:32 Way forcing.
15:33 So, we can't say that because I've seen criminals that were repatriated.
15:36 Of course.
15:37 During my 30 plus years.
15:38 So, this is why I'm speaking this openly.
15:40 And I will speak to the criminal elements tonight.
15:43 There is hope for you.
15:45 It's about change, positive change.
15:47 To my colleagues, keep the good job up.
15:51 And be safe.
15:54 Now, we head to Sangha Grandi.
15:56 At this point, there was an early morning shooting outside a linemen's spot along the eastern main road in Sangha Grandi.
16:02 Persons killed and others injured.
16:06 The deceased identified as Ricky Ramnarine and Kendall Hodgetts.
16:17 You can see here where the individuals will now be approaching where the food cart is.
16:22 And they opened fire.
16:28 Now, this is a popular spot known to many persons in the area.
16:33 That will go to linemen hang out and enjoy themselves.
16:37 And again, as usual, people can't come out in public.
16:41 They just enjoy themselves.
16:44 Because we constantly -- I don't know how you feel about it.
16:47 I mean, you're in a position where you have access to see a lot of things that we are not privy to as citizens.
16:53 It has reached a point where it is extremely depressing for persons who all they want to do is enjoy life.
17:00 And you have to think twice to even go to the grocery.
17:04 Or you have to think twice to jump in your car just to put gas in your vehicle.
17:08 Or even most importantly, should I go to work today?
17:12 And not because you don't want to go, you know.
17:14 >> So then you're on the bread line eventually.
17:16 >> So I have no choice.
17:17 So things like this, what jumps out at me is that why?
17:25 The victims, how are you involved?
17:27 Is it by association?
17:30 Is it that some associate of yours is in the underworld and they can't get to him so they are targeting you?
17:39 Because some of the things are just senseless.
17:41 It's senseless to me that, okay, you can't find a motive.
17:47 Bam, bam, two people shot.
17:48 And it's like it doesn't matter who is around.
17:54 We just come for one so we target all.
17:57 You know, and this reminds me of they want to kill one person on an airplane.
18:02 But the bomb is set for 500 to perish for one person.
18:06 So the objective is I must get my target.
18:09 But why?
18:11 And the point is do I know that I am involved by association?
18:16 Do I know what you do 24 hours that would bring it home to me?
18:21 So it's a responsibility on -- let's say it's mostly young population that is suffering right now.
18:28 In this kind of gang warfare thing.
18:31 Live straight lives.
18:33 Watch your friends.
18:34 Make better choices.
18:36 I mean, there are the unfortunate situations that you would face.
18:40 But I'm saying is that you don't need to be outside.
18:44 Stay inside.
18:45 We need to take a break.
18:46 When we come back, we take your calls and we talk a little bit more about the fraudulent activities happening in Trinidad and Tobago.
18:52 We'll be back.
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20:10 [Music]
20:20 And we are back. Remember you can give us a call at 623-1711, extension 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1997.
20:29 Now with us we have Acton Senior Superintendent Officer Groom, the head of the fraud squad.
20:35 Now I want to talk a little bit more on the HGC fraud that we are seeing happening.
20:41 We saw some weeks ago where they held some individuals in the car park of the HGC headquarters.
20:50 And of course persons are really in desperate need of ownership of homes.
20:57 I think that is the biggest accomplishment for any adult.
21:00 Any person apart from the first major accomplishment will be buying or purchasing a car.
21:06 And then the next step will be, because at that age you are in your 20s, so you are saying that is a huge accomplishment.
21:11 And then when you move on from there, the biggest life-changing accomplishment anyone could ever ask for is owning a home.
21:20 And when you get that opportunity, you feel like you are on cloud nine.
21:25 So when persons see there is a way that I can get through, but it is not really the right way of doing things.
21:31 It is too good to be true.
21:33 How we deal with situations like this, because I want a home you know.
21:36 I like many persons applied and waiting.
21:39 But you are waiting for the miracle and maybe they got the call.
21:42 So let me ask you a question, Ma'am Whitney.
21:45 Yes.
21:46 What do you know about an application to HGC since you are waiting on a home?
21:50 Of course you have to apply, you have to wait to get your number.
21:53 And then when you get your number, you have to wait for the random draw.
21:57 Well, it is almost like you are playing bingo.
22:00 Bingo. So okay.
22:02 Or if you know, I don't want the song bad, hopefully if I have a link inside.
22:07 Not meaning I am paying to push up the file in the right place for me to get through.
22:13 Because you know many people hope on that.
22:15 Even if it is someone who is just maybe a person who may be from a janitor working in HGC.
22:22 And they put in a word for you.
22:24 Yes, see what you could do for me, you don't know anybody there.
22:27 Right.
22:28 So apart from that, if HGC calls you tomorrow or someone pretending to be from HGC
22:36 and they bring the forms for you to fill out, they do a viewing of a home
22:41 and then they now tell you to pay money.
22:45 Where would you go and pay that money?
22:47 I would be with a little bit HGC at the headquarters.
22:49 Mama, at this stage we want not to believe.
22:51 No, I will say I have to go.
22:54 So I am speaking to you.
22:55 Yes, I will go to the headquarters, I am not going to give anybody cash.
22:57 Would you go and put money for HGC in someone's private bank account?
23:03 No, no, no.
23:04 A savings account?
23:05 No, no.
23:06 So let me just elaborate on that a little bit.
23:08 So, 2023, we had eight HGC reports at the fraud squad.
23:16 It may be more because outstations also investigate the minor HGC matters.
23:21 And some persons may not have reported.
23:23 Reported.
23:25 So we had a 217,000 fraud committed.
23:30 So that was for the whole of 2023 that was reported to the fraud squad.
23:34 In 2024, however, what we have is nine reports with a total of 358,000.
23:43 And out of that 358,000, $191,000 was paid by one person seeking to obtain five HGC homes.
23:56 When you are only entitled to how much, Whitney?
23:58 One.
23:59 One.
24:00 Well, he's just as guilty as the person he gave the money to because--
24:03 So--
24:04 What did he try to do?
24:06 Looking for the offense under Prevention of Corruption Act.
24:10 Right, because that is a corrupt act that this individual is clearly--
24:14 Well, he got caught.
24:15 He got caught.
24:17 So the thief stole from the thief.
24:21 Well, let me put it like this.
24:23 I don't know who to call worse off--
24:25 Who is what, exactly?
24:27 Because, all right, so normally if I interview somebody who comes to make an HGC report, I would ask them three questions.
24:36 Did you make an application to HGC?
24:38 Some say yes, some say no.
24:41 Two, you said you were contacted by somebody from HGC.
24:48 Did you verify from HGC by going into HGC for that person and to see if that person is the same person that called you?
24:57 No.
24:59 That person asks you to pay 6,000 in to a Republic Bank account.
25:05 Where are you supposed to pay money when you have HGC house?
25:10 And many of them tell you it's at HGC.
25:13 There are no lots.
25:14 Because HGC and the TTPS constantly puts out ads advising persons that no payments are to be made to any other banking institution or any way.
25:27 Come to HGC, go to HGC cashier, and pay your money.
25:33 So if you go to RBC and deposit--I'm just calling a bank or a financial institution and deposit $191,000.
25:42 Does that feel there?
25:44 Of course. I'm good. I can close all your accounts after that.
25:47 Oh my.
25:48 Withdraw all and be like--
25:49 So imagine a man comes to me and he reported me to the police complaints because he told me that he knew it was an underhand deal.
26:05 And that is what I was about to ask you.
26:07 Persons who they let them know, "Listen, I have a link. All you need to do is pay $10,000 and you'll sure get the house.
26:15 You're getting it for sure. You have to pay the $10,000."
26:18 But we have to--
26:19 So you already knew what you were doing.
26:21 You're doing.
26:22 So you are saying to me that you know that you're committing acts of corruption by offering a bribe to someone.
26:31 You are as guilty as the person receiving that money. The only thing is you losing.
26:38 And you're trying to make the police look like they are not investigating your matters because I lost money.
26:45 But you lost money knowing it was a link.
26:49 It was a link. But must be a gold chain link or a chain link.
26:52 I think it was a rusty link.
26:53 A chain link that broke. The cow pulled out too hard on the link.
26:56 Yeah. And this is the hurtful part about it. TNT, wake up.
27:02 Do not pay monies to anyone outside HTC.
27:07 I am aware that the criminals meet you at some point in the lobbies at HTC to make it look legitimate.
27:14 Take your time and walk up to the cashier and see if you are required to pay any fees as ordered by HTC.
27:24 Then you will know.
27:25 Because I never paid a fee even when I had to apply.
27:28 And you could also do it online. There is no fee you pay.
27:31 Unless you are now granted a property.
27:35 Well, they are saying it. No, they are giving you the documents that you are granted.
27:38 So you now need to pay.
27:40 Wow.
27:42 So all this they are forging HTC documents.
27:45 They are coming with HTC representations.
27:48 And half the time the persons cannot tell you who they interacted with.
27:52 They cannot even describe the person.
27:55 Not an ID they took. Not a copy of an ID.
27:57 My question is where they get in the forms though that shows that you are granted access to property.
28:04 Well, let us put it like this.
28:07 I believe that there is some internal connection.
28:12 And there are links.
28:14 This is not just the first stage of applying.
28:17 Where you could just go on the site, you apply, you give your information and then you wait for your number.
28:22 No.
28:23 This is now where if you are granted.
28:26 So it means that somebody is supplying your information, your phone contact.
28:32 They can tell you when you apply.
28:34 That is some of the things we take in statements.
28:37 So I am not saying anything that willy-nilly this is what the persons are told.
28:42 So yes, they are led to believe that truly HTC.
28:47 But the point I am getting at, apart from all of that, remember the last point.
28:53 Do not pay any monies outside of a cashier or to a cash boot at HTC.
29:00 And that is one way you can safeguard yourself from losing.
29:03 Because the receipt that you will receive will show it is from HTC.
29:09 The time you paid for it and the document will obviously show that.
29:12 And then HTC will be able to tell you, no we did not call you for a house.
29:15 You do not have anything to pay.
29:17 Who told you so?
29:19 So what about persons now that go to properties that are obviously not occupied yet.
29:27 And they are showing them, well this is the home that you will have access to.
29:32 And it seems like they have a key.
29:34 And they walk inside and they carry on a tour.
29:37 And you are saying, but wait now this is real because this person is showing me the home.
29:41 Very much so.
29:43 Because I could break a lock, change a lock.
29:46 I have my own keys because who is really checking up to see if the building is locked ever so often.
29:51 So when I carry you, it comes like, this comes like a scenario of house rental scheme.
29:58 Where the fraudster under fictitious name rents the property for one month.
30:04 Or rents the property.
30:06 So he pays the security.
30:08 And he pays the one month rent.
30:11 And then he puts now on the dailies apartment for rent.
30:18 So you come, he shows you, he said that you need to pay within two weeks.
30:24 Because the place would become vacant on the month end.
30:28 So imagine we do 40 persons at $2,000 for the rent and 2,000 each for the security deposit.
30:37 And then at the month end you come, you come into Occupy and the landlord says, no I don't know you.
30:43 What are you doing here?
30:44 I didn't rent any place to you.
30:46 So we have a 40 or 20 reports each paying 4,000 each.
30:53 How much the fraudster walk away with?
30:55 A bank.
30:56 Thank you.
30:57 We take a break.
30:58 We'll be back with more.
30:59 [Music]
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32:20 And we are back. Remember you can give us a call at 623-1711, extension 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997.
32:35 Now, Officer Groom, let's talk a little bit more about online fraud.
32:40 Credit card fraud because like myself, I love to shop online.
32:44 I mean, I get amazing deals, but the predators are out there in the dark web and persons believe, Trinidad and Tobago, that we don't have persons out there doing just as bad as those internationally where they're skimming the credit cards and taking our information online.
33:01 So I like the word deals.
33:03 Yes.
33:04 So we look at online fraud and it comes in various forms.
33:09 So let us do the credit card first.
33:11 Okay.
33:12 So some people do not know safety measures about using online transactions.
33:21 So sometimes a site pops up.
33:23 Now, I'm not a cyber person, but I'm telling you from experience from dealing with a lot of reports.
33:29 And they enter into that site and they are led down another site.
33:35 A hole.
33:36 And they got instructions.
33:39 And then from that instructions, all the personal information is on the dark web.
33:48 Don't ask me how.
33:50 I'm not a cyber person.
33:52 But then when you wake up in the morning, you go to the bank, you see that 500 and something thousand is gone.
34:01 Jesus.
34:02 You're shopping in Seattle.
34:08 You're seeing that you made some South African purchases.
34:14 To trail these things, it's difficult.
34:17 So we have another one called investment fraud online.
34:24 So the credit card is skimming you, they take your information, you go willy-nilly.
34:31 So the investment fraud.
34:34 So far for the year for investment fraud, we have 22 reports on investment fraud.
34:39 And that is what exactly?
34:40 Investment fraud comes from these advertised promotions, like Facebook, Instagram, which will tell you invest 500 TT and in 72 hours you will get 10,000.
34:59 And then when you invest the 500, you see another fee come up, says, okay, to process your payment, you need to put a 500 more.
35:13 All right, so now to do the bank transaction, you need a 500 more.
35:17 And sometimes the fees go up and up and you keep paying.
35:22 So that 10,000 now that you're hoping to get, you already paid the 10,000.
35:27 Yes, that they were saying you're going to get.
35:30 And if they want to bait you, if they want to bait you.
35:34 So let us say they caught 100 people.
35:39 They give you a 5,000 and tell you reinvest this 5,000, add the next 5,000 to it and you get 20,000 in 48 hours.
35:51 Who will pay me? This good.
35:53 So I got no one and I deposited in the positive and then communication stops.
36:03 Instagram, sorry to say.
36:07 You can get a phone number.
36:10 But it's privileged information according to the service providers.
36:14 Yes. So when you go on Instagram and Facebook, they lead you down to the telegram part.
36:20 That's another dangerous app. Telegram is so encrypted with no phone number.
36:25 It's harder than WhatsApp and Instagram.
36:29 You don't know who you are dealing with. Correct.
36:33 So ask yourself the question. The banks offer 3.5 percent.
36:39 All these kind of percent on interest rates.
36:42 Unitrust offer their rates not comparable to what they are giving you on these investments.
36:50 But let us be real.
36:52 Where on earth except you are in the underworld or such, can you get all your gambling in a casino that you could generate that kind of income with these meager investments that they are tricking you over and over with?
37:07 It's not like you're on Wall Street.
37:09 And even being on Wall Street, you still have to be wary.
37:12 We have to take a call. We have a call on the line. Let's take that call.
37:15 Hello. Good evening.
37:19 Good evening.
37:21 Good afternoon.
37:23 Yes. So good evening.
37:26 I'm all due to a lockdown.
37:29 Officer, I want to compliment you for the remarks you made just now.
37:34 You hardly hear people making that kind of remarks during the work you do.
37:39 People can change, sir.
37:41 And that is very, very good, sir.
37:44 Okay, sir. Thank you, sir.
37:46 Mr. Whitney, I want to... because I'm a certain judge.
37:50 I will say that from the last time who really has me where I am today because I was on the other side of this.
37:56 And she made a certain comment about me.
37:59 You understand? And it's hardly likely to move.
38:02 Mr. Whitney, what I'm saying is that, you know, I heard you say just now, like, when it's our issue, now why not again before it?
38:08 I was on the next side of the law, but I had made a transformation.
38:12 I would be very happy. We are shooting on the city, pushing in Hullo, on the front.
38:17 But I've not got that necessity.
38:20 I'm a man who got just under handcuffs.
38:23 People also are telling me, I'm just showing you how I'm a citizen, so we have to be careful with them.
38:27 We are stigmatizing nobody.
38:29 But have a blessed and inclined future, all the best.
38:32 Thank you and blessings to you.
38:35 I do agree, persons are able to change.
38:38 But you must want the change.
38:40 You must want the change.
38:41 To move forward.
38:42 To move forward.
38:43 And of course, persons will be there to also assist.
38:45 So as we were mentioning with regard to the online and the credit card frauds, and let's speak a little bit also on the ABM frauds that we see.
38:54 Now I am telling you, Officer, when I go to the ATM, I shake.
39:01 The keypad and the slot.
39:04 You have to put your card in. I shake it.
39:07 And then sometimes I press cancel, trying to see if the knobs can lift.
39:11 Like I'm doing the most.
39:12 Just because I don't want, especially when you're using a debit card, this is different from a credit card where persons will be going to withdraw money.
39:20 Persons don't really withdraw money from their credit cards.
39:23 So when it comes to your debit, that's where most people have their savings.
39:26 And of course, their salaries go to those accounts.
39:29 How persons can protect themselves and pay attention and beware.
39:32 I developed a system by working in fraud and seeing how things are perpetrated.
39:38 What I did for myself is that although I am on online banking, the card account has minimal money.
39:50 The account that you cannot get access to from the card is where I put money when I need to make a certain amount of purchase.
39:59 So that's one way. So you get it online.
40:02 You don't have to go into the bank to make the transfer.
40:06 You transfer it to the account. You know you need to make a purchase of 2,500.
40:11 So you put that. You transfer it.
40:14 So even though your card is compromised, the only thing they would get is a remnant of that from that from that account.
40:21 So you suggest that persons should open two accounts.
40:25 And when I say so, it could be from another bank or it's easier in the same bank because you want to immediate transfer.
40:32 That the money could come immediately.
40:34 Correct. So persons could open two accounts, two saving accounts.
40:38 And where you have your savings itself. It must not feature on any card.
40:44 Yeah, that's one way I have developed to keep sort of safe over these years.
40:50 Thank you so much for that. I hope you all took notes on that. We take a break and we'll be back.
40:55 Things don't always go as expected.
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42:02 Thank you members of the media. This concludes our weekly press briefing.
42:07 As the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service continues to protect and serve with pride.
42:14 We are calling on all citizens of Trinidad and Tobago to get on board with us to ensure that everyone is able to live in a crime free society.
42:26 Are you on board?
42:29 This is my country and I am on board.
42:33 I am on board with the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service. Let us save the youth of the nation. Get on board.
42:40 Crime affects all of us. Children, communities and the country as a whole.
42:46 Supporting crime victims and working with the police service. I am on board.
42:51 This is my country and I am on board.
42:54 My name is Nikolai Blackmon and I am on board with the TTPS.
42:59 Vision on Mission is proud to partner with the TTPS because crime prevention is everybody's business.
43:07 We are the National Congress of Incorporated Spiritual Baptist Organizations of Trinidad and Tobago and we are on board with the TTPS in its fight against crime.
43:16 I am a farmer. This is my country and I am on board.
43:21 I am Charles Jason Gordon, the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port-au-Prince. I am on board in the TTPS fight against crime.
43:30 We are all on board.
43:32 And we are back. So Officer Groom, romance is a hell of a thing.
43:47 And the reason why I say that, if you are a person that is a bit lonely and someone reaches out to you and it seems like they are seeking interest in you and they don't even live here.
43:57 But you get in that conversation and it feels so good that someone is, you know, checking up.
44:03 How is your day going? Everything is okay? And I hope that everything is alright.
44:07 And they may actually send you something, like some flowers, send me your addresses, I'll send you some flowers.
44:13 And then all of a sudden, they have a medical emergency and I need some sort of assistance.
44:18 So they swept you off your feet.
44:20 Yes, immediately. And persons are being caught in this web in a major way, where persons online are seeking some sort of attention.
44:30 And they do get it, they receive it, but it actually damages their pocket.
44:35 So okay, before I give you all that I can, let me give you a scenario, a true scenario.
44:45 So from Facebook, money found in Syria, how much? Hundreds of millions in gold in the US.
44:58 And they reach out, so somebody responded. And then Facebook communication turned to WhatsApp communication.
45:08 Gets a little more personal.
45:10 A little more personal. And they are from a nice picture of a US soldier.
45:15 And you can, if you help me, we can move some of this money to you.
45:27 Let's give you the short version.
45:29 Yes, yes, yes.
45:31 And you see the glittery gold from the internet. It's not even cost you, it's not there, it's an illusion.
45:39 And it tells you that you need to pay up front 25,000 TT.
45:46 That's the fees to move it from Syria to a safe zone.
45:51 So you pay 25 TT.
45:54 Because you trust him.
45:55 I trust him because he buttered me up for some months.
45:57 Of course. Send little pictures, little videos.
46:00 Yes, and you know how these ladies like to see six footers.
46:04 Excuse me, now uniform is over.
46:06 Oh my.
46:07 Yes.
46:08 It's all over.
46:09 Whether the button is shiny or not.
46:11 Or not.
46:12 It's a uniform.
46:13 Yes.
46:14 Right.
46:15 And then suddenly you pay this 25,000 and declare it from customs, you need to pay another 15,000.
46:27 Okay.
46:28 Go and borrow from the neighbors, take loan from the bank, I pay 15,000.
46:33 And then we have a problem because they are now watching this money as proceeds of crime, money laundering.
46:42 So in order to sway them off, you need to pay an ex-10,000.
46:50 And the excuses goes on and on and on until you realize, you know that something is right with me.
47:02 I have lost 100,000.
47:05 To imagine a woman take her husband who is 200 and something thousand gratuity at age 67 behind a ship captain who promised her this vacation.
47:17 Vacation, a retirement of a lifetime.
47:20 You'll be sailing the sea.
47:21 You want to see why murder does occur and domestic violence will increase?
47:25 So it's a number of factors that contribute to crime.
47:29 So don't look at white collar as crimes that don't contribute to violence or even murder.
47:35 So when you say white collar, I think many persons including myself, we are not too clear on what white collar crime is.
47:43 We think of it as the rich man's space to dwell and steal and touch without pulling out a gun.
47:53 It's for rich people as they say.
47:55 You don't pull out a gun in white collar like this is a hole up.
47:59 Correct.
48:00 Like in the wild, wild west.
48:01 I know that.
48:02 Like blue collar.
48:03 White collar now is where surreptitiously you use deception.
48:09 The object is to deceive you into believing a lie as the truth.
48:14 So what we spoke about previously.
48:17 All is incorporated with white collar.
48:19 Okay.
48:20 Includes land fraud, loan fraud, motor vehicle fraud.
48:24 Okay.
48:25 Once is deception.
48:27 That is the key word.
48:28 Deception.
48:29 Whether I part with my money by trick, deception.
48:34 A competition.
48:36 They must have deception for white collar.
48:39 So you stay behind the cover of darkness.
48:44 You have no face or the face you put is somebody who...
48:48 Is not real.
48:49 Not real.
48:50 AI or something.
48:52 You get me to believe your stories.
48:55 You get me to send this for you.
48:58 You get me to do all of this until I have no more money.
49:05 And there's one thing I forget to mention earlier.
49:09 There's also the OBIA fraud.
49:11 Oh, wow.
49:12 Let me put it like that.
49:13 The OBIA fraud.
49:14 If you give me this money and I will give you this mixture.
49:18 No.
49:20 The vulnerable.
49:21 That means you will be able to have money by next week.
49:24 You'll be rich.
49:25 The fraudster comes and make a pronouncement on you that you're going to die if you don't do certain things.
49:35 He come with all his shandangas and he singedegedege and he do his thing and he say words.
49:40 Whatever he's saying could be nonsense.
49:42 Gibberish.
49:43 Yes.
49:44 And you believe that because either you're not spiritually grounded, you don't know what it is, but you hear death.
49:52 And freak out.
49:53 And you just get frightened.
49:55 You go in a shell.
49:56 And don't tell anybody.
49:58 I tell you about real true reports.
50:04 And you sell property.
50:07 All your savings going on talking about one point something million.
50:14 And then the OBIA man turn and tell the person, you know, you are a fool.
50:21 That's what they said to that?
50:23 Real story.
50:27 And next one, a foreigner came and said, your son has a demon.
50:34 I can remove this demon with $90,000.
50:39 Is that a rich demon?
50:40 A rich demon.
50:42 You give me the 90,000, I will take it back to Africa where my spiritual father will kill a camel and wash the money with the camel blood.
50:54 And when I return it to you, the demon will go.
51:01 So we have a lot of spiritually weak people.
51:04 And of course, never see the man, never see the money and the son still have the demon.
51:09 That's there.
51:11 So the 90,000 demon.
51:14 So deception comes in all forms.
51:17 Correct.
51:18 So we have to be wise TNT.
51:20 Yeah.
51:21 Right.
51:22 So what we have to do, we have to take a break.
51:24 And when we take that break, we'll come back and we will wrap things up.
51:27 We'll be back.
51:28 We'll be back.
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52:54 And we are back, Officer Groom.
52:56 We have the opportunity of course to inform the public of more information, especially when it comes to fraudulent activities that we may be facing.
53:05 Thank you, ma'am.
53:07 So a couple of weeks ago, we saw where persons were arrested at HTC Car Park.
53:13 And this stemmed, I wouldn't go much because it's a matter before the court, but it involved fraudulent central bank checks issued by whichever corporation,
53:24 whether it's the regional corporation, Indigo Martin, Lavant Hill, for contracts, contracted work done.
53:32 In this case, it was HTC contracts.
53:35 But something spook the would-be victims and they made diligence checks.
53:44 And that is how this matter was solved.
53:47 So last year for government checks, we had a total of 41 reports in the sum of $116 million.
53:56 How much?
53:57 $116 million.
54:02 Yes, it's true.
54:03 Okay, so these checks that you mentioned here, some were paid out?
54:07 Some were paid out.
54:09 Plenty were paid out.
54:12 For 2024, so far we have 24 reports.
54:19 The only amount that was paid out was $1 million.
54:25 We had the others $75 million as attempts.
54:30 That was because of due diligence now with the banks.
54:33 That was stemmed.
54:35 That's scary.
54:36 It is scary.
54:37 Because you said $100 and something million.
54:39 $116 million.
54:41 That was in 2023.
54:43 41 checks in 2023.
54:45 41 reports.
54:47 And those are the reports that were made that we know of.
54:50 That we know of.
54:51 And some of that money was cashed out.
54:53 More than half.
54:57 More than half.
55:01 What happens after the fact that you said more than half of the money was cashed out?
55:07 How is that money going to be replaced?
55:09 Because taxpayers' dollars are clearly there.
55:12 That's my money there.
55:14 That someone is walking away with without a gun.
55:16 And sometimes you may be able to get some property from the person that you can do cash seizures.
55:24 You may be able to restrain the property so that after the matter is finished, if they are convicted, the state now can take possession under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
55:34 So, does this money have insurance?
55:37 For the banks?
55:38 I know their monies are insured.
55:40 That's what I'm saying.
55:41 So, if it shows that.
55:42 But insured over what extent?
55:45 Everything has a cutoff point.
55:49 It comes like if you're doing an investment and you have a hundred thousand and things fall, the insurance may only cover a third of the money.
55:59 And we saw that back when some investment corporation fell in the 80s.
56:05 You know, my parents were victims of that.
56:07 My parents as well.
56:08 A lot of our parents.
56:09 So, that is why I learn about these things.
56:12 So, what I'm saying here with these fraudulent checks.
56:16 When the last year, they succeeded.
56:20 And I mean, if the banks tighten more, none should none.
56:27 You know, normally you have a fold.
56:29 But this is already how the banks operate more so because they see it as I'm coming to retrieve my money and you're telling me how to retrieve my money.
56:37 But I guess we're not understanding why they're doing this.
56:40 But when you say retrieve my money, the money you take fraudulently.
56:45 Yes.
56:46 That's what you're calling my money.
56:47 No, time is against us.
56:48 Right.
56:49 I know the conversation has to continue even further.
56:51 But we like to thank you so much for being here.
56:53 Acting Senior Superintendent, Arlette Groom, head of the Fraud Squad.
56:58 And I hope you'll be back again for us to continue more of this discussion and of course giving us more information when it comes to fraud throughout Trinidad and Tobago.
57:07 TNT, we get ready for news coming up next at 7 o'clock.
57:10 Always remember, be pure and just and have God in your life no matter what.
57:14 We'll be back tomorrow.
57:15 We're out.
57:17 [Music]
57:35 [BLANK_AUDIO]
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