Fraudulent articles and manipulated videos imitate Le Journal de Saint-Barth to lure residents into a financial scam.
MARIGOT: --- The Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin has filed a complaint with the gendarmerie after fraudulent social-media publications used the Prefect’s identity and image to promote a supposedly “miraculous” investment platform.
In an official warning, the prefecture said the material includes fake articles and video sequences that also imitate the visual branding of Le Journal de Saint-Barth, creating the appearance of legitimate media coverage.
The publications encourage members of the public to invest money in the promoted platform.
The prefecture categorically denied any connection between the Prefect and the publications, videos or financial platforms involved.
Manipulated content used to create false credibility
According to the prefecture, the material forms part of an online scam attempt involving identity theft and manipulated audio and video.
By combining the image of a public official with a recognizable media outlet’s branding, the fraudulent content presents a false impression of credibility and endorsement.
The prefecture said it had filed a complaint with the gendarmerie to identify and prosecute those responsible.
The statement did not identify the perpetrators or report any arrests. It also did not specify whether anyone had lost money.
Residents urged not to click or share personal information
The prefecture called on residents to exercise extreme vigilance and issued three precautions:
- Do not click links appearing in suspicious publications.
- Do not disclose banking or personal information under any circumstances.
- Warn relatives and friends, particularly vulnerable people, about fraud.
For verification of official State communications, the prefecture directed the public to its official website, official email addresses ending in @saint-barth-saint-martin.gouv.fr, and its certified social media accounts.
The warning is clear: the Prefect has not endorsed the investment platforms, and the circulating articles and videos should not be mistaken for genuine official communications.
