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A hardware proprietor has reported being deceived into releasing building materials valued at $29,000 after receiving what appeared to be proof of an online bank transfer.

Police said the 53-year-old businessman of Valsyn reported that on March 7 he was contacted via WhatsApp by a man identifying himself as “Anthony”, who expressed interest in purchasing construction materials from his business, QSP Hardware, located along the Eastern Main Road, San Juan.

The businessman said that on March 9 he sent a quotation to the individual, and on March 10 received a screenshot purporting to show an online transfer from First Citizens Bank in the sum of $29,000.