The Ministry of Social Development and Family Services advises of fraudulent Social Welfare cheques being presented for payment at financial institutions, supermarkets and groceries, the District Revenue Offices, and the designated TTPost offices.
The Cheques presented are related to Senior Citizens, Public Assistance and Disability Assistance Grants. The fraudulent cheques were brought to the Ministry’s attention by the Central Bank as well as Supermarkets, Merchants and Stores, seeking clarification on the authenticity and the amount to be paid on the cheque. The said cheques are not in compliance with the Ministry’s specimen for social welfare cheques, as several aspects of these cheques appear to be fictitious.
As a consequence, all Stakeholders (Commercial Banks, Merchants, Grocers, Store Owners). Clients and Member of the Public are asked to be on the alert for these fraudulent cheques being tendered. The Ministry also advises that any cheque which does not possess the stipulated features will not be accepted by the Central Bank for payment.
The matter has been referred to Trinidad and Tobago Police Service.
The Ministry takes this opportunity to encourage its clients/grants recipients to sign up for Direct Deposit in order to avoid being victims of fraudulent cheques. Direct Deposit, is safe, reliable and convenient and it will move our pensions from lining up at commercial banks. For further information, please contact the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ toll-free number at 800-1MSD (1673).