MARGAO
The Director General of Shipping has issued an Advisory to seafarers and their family members to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to deceitful schemes.
In the advisory, Deputy Director General of Shipping (Crew), Capt (Dr) Daniel J Joseph stated that it has come to the attention of the Directorate that there have been incidents involving individuals falsely claiming to be associated with seafarers’ onboard vessels or pretending to be as from law enforcing authorities such as Customs, State Police Departments, CBI, Immigration Officials and Govt officials from Ministry etc, and soliciting money from their family members under fraudulent pretenses.
“Numerous cases have come to light, where unknown individuals by telecalls, WhatsApp messages and emails, etc, have contacted the family members of seafarers, alleging that their seafarers’ working on ships have been involved in serious illegal activities such as smuggling, narcotics, theft, rape and murder, etc and have demanded money for their release or assistance, Capt Joseph pointed out.
The DG Shipping has strongly advised all family members of seafarers to exercise extreme caution and vigilant while receiving such calls or emails as it is crucial to ascertain the exact details of such caller, message or email sender and not to entertain these requests and refrain from transferring money to unknown individuals.
“In the event of receiving such calls or emails, the family members of seafarers are urged to be cautious and immediately inform the matter to the concerned nodal official of the Recruitment and Placement Services (RPS) agency or the ship-owners representatives.
