Berbice couple arrested for using woman’s photo to extort US$1200

Police in Berbice have arrested a couple after they allegedly used a photograph of another woman to create a fake social media profile with the aim of defrauding others.
The woman allegedly defrauded a United States citizen of US$1200.
The man then used social media to publicise the incident, but was confronted by the person whose photograph was falsely used by the fraudster.
In a release on Wednesday, the Police said acting on information received, a party of law enforcement ranks went to Lot 4C Persaud Street, Rose Hall Town, Corentyne, Berbice, where they arrested a 40-year-old unemployed woman and a 29-year-old poultry farmer.
The Police provided the names and photographs of both suspects and said they were acting in accordance with a Cyber Crime Report.
Charges are expected to be made under the Cyber Crime Act, Section 19 (3) (a): A person commits an offence if the person uses a computer system to disseminate any information, statement or image, knowing the same to be false, that causes damage to the reputation of another person.
Two cellular phones were found in possession of the man and were confiscated. The information retrieved indicated that other persons sent money to the woman the Police said. Ranks are continuing their investigations as both suspects remain in custody. (G4)