Warning over cryptocurrency scam targeting Jersey

The latest scams are designed to look like news articles, according to the Jersey Cyber Security Centre

Jersey residents have been warned to stay vigilant after a new cryptocurrency scam began targeting the island's politicians and news outlets.

The Jersey Cyber Security Centre (JCSC) said the latest scams were designed to look like news articles that claimed the reader could make large sums of money through a cryptocurrency service called NovusX.

JCSC research has found these fake adverts are part of a broader campaign of cyber crime by the same perpetrators.

Matt Palmer, director of JCSC, said: "The same gang has targeted similar scams at other small jurisdictions, including the Isle of Man and Gibraltar, as well as South Africa."

'Deeply unpleasant'

Mr Palmer said a similar scam seen in September used images of the bailiff and late journalist Gary Burgess.

He said: "It's likely that these types of scams will continue, even if the criminals change platforms or use different public figures.

"This is disheartening because of the risks it poses to islanders. It's also deeply unpleasant for those who have their image used without their consent.

"But it does mean that we can inform ourselves, spot the signs of a fraudulent advert, and protect ourselves from fraud."

JCSC has warned islanders to be wary of any advert or news article that does the following:

• Makes exaggerated or too-good-to-be true claims

• Claims to have genuine quotes from a well-known public figures that does not sound like that person

• Implies a false sense of urgency, such as a time limited offer or dramatic news

• Makes basic mistakes about Jersey