Welfare Department raises alarm about fraudulent cheques

The Welfare Department has advised 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 fraudulent cheques, dated April 19 and May 3, 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.

The matter has been referred to the Barbados Police Service.

The Welfare Department also advised that any cheque which does not possess the stipulated features will not be accepted by the Central Bank for payment. It has encouraged clients/grant recipients who have bank accounts, to sign up for direct deposits to receive benefits.

Further information is available from the Welfare Department’s Accounts Section at 535-1008/1009 or welfare.accounts@barbados.gov.bb.

(PR/BT)