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 19 and May 3.
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.
The Welfare Department also advises that cheques which do 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 deposit, which is a safe, reliable, and convenient way to receive benefits.
For further information, persons may contact the Welfare Department’s Accounts Section at 535-1008 or 535-1009. They may also email welfare.accounts@barbados.gov.bb.