Famous Faces and Lawmakers Impersonated in Fraudulent Online Adverts

Regulator Warns of Social Media Scam Using Images of Jersey Public Figures

Islanders are being urged to stay vigilant after fraudsters used photos of prominent Jersey personalities and organisations in a series of deceptive social media adverts.

The Jersey Financial Services Commission said the Facebook ads promoted a bogus government-backed investment scheme designed to mislead potential victims.

According to the regulator, the adverts featured pictures of local politicians, a presenter from ITV Channel Television, and the branding of the Jersey Evening Post to create a false sense of credibility.

Officials warned the public to be wary of unexpected investment offers, particularly those appearing through online advertising or social media posts.

The commission reported a recent increase in impersonation fraud, stressing that none of the individuals or organisations shown had authorised the use of their images.

Criminals behind such schemes are using increasingly advanced tactics, the regulator said, including stolen identities, replica websites, copied logos, and even artificially generated images or audio to appear convincing.

Their objective is to gain trust and pressure targets into sending money or revealing sensitive personal details.

Further advice on recognising and avoiding scams is available through the Jersey Fraud Prevention Forum, the commission added.