New Craigslist Car Scam Targeting USVI Uses Port Authority In Attempt To Swindle Residents

The Virgin Islands Port Authority (V.I.P.A.) is warning residents not to respond to any Craigslist advertisements that says the Port Authority will ship vehicles to the territory, as V.I.P.A. is not in the shipping business, the authority’s executive director, Carlton Dowe, has announced.

According to a press release V.I.P.A. issued Thursday, the false ads on the popular classified advertisements website, lists vehicles for sale and states that V.I.P.A. will ship these vehicles to the individuals once money has been received by the seller.

“These advertisements are scams. The VI Port Authority is not a shipping company, nor are we in the business of shipping vehicles or any other items,” Mr. Dowe said. The authority had received several reports about the scam, which prompted the press release.

The public is advised not to send any money to persons selling items that lists the VI Port Authority as its shipping company. Individuals who suspect that an advertisement may be a scam should immediately report the ad to the  Attorney General’s Investigations Office at (340) 774-5666 ext. 351.