OCIF warns of fraud using Puerto Rico gov’s image
The Puerto Rico Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions (OCIF, in Spanish) has issued an alert about a fraudulent investment scheme circulating on social media that uses the image of Gov. Jenniffer González and forged letters attributed to a former commissioner.
Mónica Rodríguez-Villa, the current commissioner, confirmed that the scheme seeks to trick Puerto Ricans into investing in a product that promises unrealistic returns.
“Recently, a citizen contacted the OCIF stating that they had invested in a fraudulent scheme after watching a video featuring the governor promoting an investment product with unrealistic returns,” Rodríguez-Villa said.
The agency emphasized that González has not endorsed any financial product and that neither she nor OCIF has issued such communications.
“The information contained in the video and the communications is entirely false, fraudulent and illegal,” Rodríguez-Villa said, adding that the case has been referred to local and federal authorities for possible criminal prosecution.
OCIF urged citizens to exercise caution when encountering suspicious online offers.
“We urge you to be very cautious about this type of fraudulent scheme that aims to defraud citizens and steal their savings,” Rodríguez-Villa said.
Those who receive similar communications are encouraged to contact OCIF at 787-723-3131 or file a confidential report through its sitio web. Complaints can also be made with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.
