A link which resembles a media report has surfaced on the internet and social media. The media report makes claims insinuating that the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon. Andrew A Fahie is involved in the investment of cryptocurrency.
The Government of the Virgin Islands have issued a statement denouncing the fake media report.
The link is designed to give the appearance that it emanates from a media house in the Virgin Islands and bears the following headline: “SPECIAL REPORT: Andrew Fahie’s Latest Investment Has The Government And Big Banks Terrified”.
The fake article portrays the Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon Andrew A. Fahie, as promoting – especially to Virgin Islands citizens – some kind of cryptocurrency wealth loophole that is guaranteed to transform anyone into a millionaire within 3-4 months, among a host of other claims.
Hon. Andrew Fahie said, “The national and international community are advised that the entire purported article is a fabrication. It is fake news. No such interview, as stated in the item, was conducted by the Premier – whether with NEWS2 NEWSCASE, the BBC or any local news media. All the quotes attributed to the Premier are fake and fraudulent. No such financial investment programme as promoted by the fake article exists in the Virgin Islands.”
Premier Fahie continued, “Contrary to that fake report, I am not engaging in trying “anything” or am I in discussions with anyone regarding cryptocurrency. The British Virgin Islands adopted the US dollar as its currency in 1959 and have made no commitments to replace it as the official currency in any form.”
Premier Fahie urged members of the public to be mindful of electronic defamation. He asked persons to exercise caution as the webpage and the domain linked to the fake news post have characteristics that are usually associated with online scams that can affect computer and mobile phones with viruses and other malware.
Persons must be mindful of malicious software that can lead to theft of data such as personal photos, friends and business associates’ contact information from your electronic address book, banking information and more. It can also lead to identity theft.
The consequences for persons who fall victim to the possible scam which is being hidden within this fake news and fake websites can be devastating.