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The Fraud Squad Unit of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service is urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid clicking on links received via email or text message.

Police in a release Friday said the warning comes from the Senior Superintendent of the Fraud Squad Michael Jackman who reports a sharp rise in fraud-related offences targeting individuals’ financial accounts.

"These crimes are commonly carried out by fraudsters who send emails or SMS messages claiming there is an urgent issue with the recipient’s bank account. Victims are then directed to click a link to resolve the matter. Once the link is accessed, the perpetrators gain unauthorised access to personal financial information, resulting in the theft or illegal transfer of funds," the release stated.