Nassau, Bahamas, January 15, 2025 – CIBC Caribbean has warned about an ongoing ‘smishing scam’ targeting clients in The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands.

It noted that fraudsters have been sending text messages to persons stating that their accounts were placed on hold or that their cards were locked and requesting them to click on a link and to enter their banking credentials in order to regain access to their accounts.

The bank has reiterated that it does not send out texts or SMS messages with links for clients to click on.

Clients who receive any communication with links should check that they are from a bona fide source prior to attempting to click on them.

The latest fraud attempt is a smishing scam and we are taking the necessary steps to report the fraudulent sites, the bank said.

Smishing occurs when fraudsters attempt to steal customers’ data or money through a text message that tries to trick them into following a link and revealing personal details or login information.

If you believe that you have encountered a suspicious message, just follow these simple tips.

Firstly, don’t click on any links or attachments and don’t reply to the message. Try and establish the legitimacy of the message by getting in contact with the organisation through alternative means, for example, calling the phone number on your printed statements.

If the sender claims to represent CIBC Caribbean, then forward the email as an attachment to our dedicated fraud team (fraud@cibcfcib.com) and delete the message from your system.

It is also a good idea to regularly review all your financial accounts and if you spot any irregularities, contact the bank immediately. Additionally, email security should be reviewed and consider changing your password to a stronger one, using a combination of characters, letters and numbers. Never share your internet banking log-in credentials or One-Time Verification Codes (OTVC) with anyone!

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, Monday, 6^th January 2025 – The Ministry of Finance, Investment and Trade is pleased to announce the resumption of the Cost-of-Living Relief Programme payment collection on Wednesday, 8^th January 2025 which had been temporarily disrupted due to a recent cyber incident.

We understand the importance of these payments and we are committed to ensuring that all eligible recipients receive the assistance they require.

The Ministry is currently in the process of distributing the final batches of payments: Batch 4 and Batch 5. Batch lists can be viewed by visiting www.gov.tc.

Approved applicants can collect their cheques at the Treasury on Providenciales, the Treasury on Grand Turk, or the sub-treasury on South Caicos and North Caicos. Collection times are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Please remember to bring your reference number along with a valid form of identification for collection.

Please be advised that cheques are for in-person collection only. There will be no deposits to any bank accounts for the Cost-of-Living Relief Programme.

For relief recipients who are disabled or confined to their home (in Turks & Caicos Islands), the Treasury will provide a cheque delivery service. To utilize this facility, approved applicants or his or her representative are asked to make a written request, for the delivery of the cheque to colreliefsupport@gov.tc.

The request must include the following:

• a copy of the approved applicant Government Issued ID
• application number
• phone number and
• address for the cheque to be delivered

Cheques will be valid for six (6) months from the printed date. All uncollected cheques will be voided and cancelled. Lost or stale dated cheques will not be reissued.

We genuinely appreciate your patience and understanding throughout this challenging period. Your support has been invaluable, and we remain committed to keeping you informed as we progress.

For any assistance or inquiries related to the Cost-of-Living Relief payments, please do not hesitate to reach out to our support team at colreliefsupport@gov.tc. We are here to help and provide the information you need.

Thank you for your continued trust in us as we work together to support our community.

Nassau, Bahamas, December 2024 – The Salvation Army and its long-standing patron, CIBC Caribbean, rang in the sound of hope and generosity during the launch of this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.

The annual tradition, aimed at bringing vital support to those in need, is aiming to raise $150,000 this holiday season to provide assistance to individuals and families across the country.

CIBC Caribbean recently made a $16,000 donation which will in part support the Salvation Army’s Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

The bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, said, “What makes this campaign special is its genuine impact on communities. As we enter the holiday season—a time filled with joy, gratitude, and togetherness for many—it is essential to remember that this season can bring different challenges for many in our community. Every dollar that goes into a kettle is a gift of hope, helping someone find a meal, a safe place to rest, or simply the support they need to face a new day.”

Dr. Bend also recognized and thanked volunteers for their “labor of love”.

“Volunteers who give their time, warmth, and energy to this campaign, standing by these kettles day in and day out, greeting people with smiles and spreading cheer are the heart and soul of this mission. CIBC Caribbean is proud to also inspire kindness, not just today but every day, in support of The Salvation Army’s life-changing work.”

Chairman of The Salvation Army’s Advisory Board, Felix Stubbs, underscored the campaign’s significance.

“Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of the Christmas season. By inspiring hope today, we are building a foundation for a better tomorrow.”

The funds raised are especially used to offer hot food safe shelter. It also helps to provide new Christmas toys, toiletries, and personal care items to those in need across the country.

PHOTO CAPTION:

HEADER: Standing from left to right are Major Aldene Meo, The Salvation Army Divisional Director of Women’s Ministry; Glenda Whylly, CIBC Caribbean Senior Manager in the Managing Director’s Office; Major Carol Roberts, The Salvation Army Assistant Secretary of Women’s Ministry and Commanding Officer of Nassau Citadel Corps and Dr. Jacqui Bend, CIBC Caribbean Managing Director

1ST INSERT: Students from the Salvation Army’s Erin H. Gilmour School for the Blind and Visually Impaired participated in the launch of this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.

2ND INSERT: CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director, Dr. Jacqui Bend, stands at right as a donation is made by the youngest supporter present at the launch of this year’s Red Kettle Campaign.