Beware of fraudulent Welfare cheques

The Welfare Department is advising members of the public and business owners in particular, to be on alert as fraudulent Welfare cheques are being presented for payment at financial institutions, post offices, supermarkets, and retail stores. The Welfare cheques are dated April 19th and May 3rd.

The fraudulent cheques were brought to the department’s attention via social media. These cheques are not in compliance with the department’s specimen for Welfare cheques, as several aspects appear to be fictitious.

As a consequence, all stakeholders, commercial banks, merchants, store owners, clients and members of the public are asked to be on the alert for these fraudulent cheques being tendered. The Department also advises that any cheque which does not possess the stipulated features will not be accepted by the Central Bank for payment. The matter has been referred to the Barbados Police Service for investigation.

The Department takes this opportunity to encourage its clients/grant recipients who have bank accounts, to sign up for direct deposits which is a safe, reliable and convenient way to receive your benefits.