As criminals have become more technologically savvy, cyber-crimes have become more rampant across Jamaica.

This is according to Cyber Security Analyst O’dail Stewart.

Speaking in an interview with Irie FM News, Mr. Stewart noted that the profile for cyber-crimes in Jamaica has not changed much over the years.

He noted that the frequency of the attacks, has however, increased.

Mr. Stewart explained that most cyber-crimes in Jamaica involve fraud and scamming.

These are often perpetrated via social media and involve the advertisement of products or services for sale, with no intent to deliver once the payment is received from the victim.

Mr. Stewart noted that it is becoming particularly difficult to identify the perpetrators, as their techniques have evolved. 

The Cyber Security Analyst said a lot of cyber-crimes can be prevented, if persons are informed and do their research before making payments.

He warned that offers that sound too good to be true – usually are.

Mr. Stewart urged consumers to seek advice when in doubt.

Meanwhile, the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Fraud Squad has been seeing an increase in reports of fraudulent online shopping sites in recent days.

Head of the JCF’s Corporate Communications Unit, Senior Superintendent Stephanie Lindsay, confirmed that criminals have been creating fake social media pages and websites purporting to sell merchandise.

She said the constabulary is investigating several of these cases.

SSP Lindsay added that police are working with several banks to investigate bank fraud, which has also become frequent in Jamaica.

She urged consumers to be careful with their banking information.