Supermarkets across the country have been placed on high alert as scammers are using the T&T Red Cross Society's name as a way to try to illegally solicit groceries.
This was confirmed by Supermarket Association of T&T president Rajiv Diptee yesterday, after at least one supermarket was almost defrauded of over $50,000 in supplies recently.
The T&T Red Cross yesterday issued a release warning the public to be on the lookout for individuals purporting to be representatives of the organisation who are engaging in fraudulent activity at local supermarkets.
The T&T Red Cross confirmed that the matter is being investigated by the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS).
“The TTRCS and the affected retailers are being supported by the T&T Police Service in the investigation of these crimes,” the Red Cross said in a statement.
“We wish to advise our stakeholders at the Supermarkets Association of Trinidad and Tobago to be cautious, as the perpetrators have been placing orders at various supermarkets, purporting to be representatives of the TTRCS.”
It added, “The TTRCS reminds all corporate stakeholders that the organisation adheres to professional best-practice policies in the procurement of goods and services.”
Diptee further highlighted the situation taking place.
"The incidents of fraudulent activities have been on the rise for a period of time, especially over the last two years and we now have a situation where because of socio-economic circumstances with rising poverty, crime and unemployment, we have seen instances where organised crime such as organised pilfering rings, crimes of opportunity, violent robbery, cyber attacks," Diptee stated.
"And now this additional instance of fraud whereby the T&T Red Cross, which is an outreach partner and civic organisation whom we have worked closely with in the past, and we have scamming activities taking place, attempts via email and phone with persons who pose themselves as members of the Red Cross Society to solicit groceries, beverages, alcohol, donations in some cases via these mediums and this is something where there is a fine line between detecting these fraudulent activities and verifying these persons as the perpetrators themselves have really raised their game. So, the Red Cross has alerted us to the fact that there are a few known instances where this has taken place in north and south Trinidad and we have put our stores on high alert as a result," he said.
Diptee said the activities are increasing with Christmas approaching.
The TTRCS is urging local supermarkets wishing to confirm the validity of any orders placed to contact them at 627-8128 ext. 239 or 228. They also can email such inquiries to finance@ttrcs.org