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Scams Are Hitting Close to Home in the U.S. Virgin Islands—Here’s How to Stay Safe and Fight Back

AARP Virgin Islands is encouraging residents of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John to stay alert, informed, and empowered.

Rebecca Hughson,

AARP Virgin Islands

graphic of shredder and phone with aarp fraud watch webpage open

AARP Fraud Watch Network Center

From suspicious text messages and relentless phone calls to misleading home offers and fake government notices, scams are becoming an everyday concern right here in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As fraud grows more sophisticated, older adults in our territory are increasingly targeted—often because scammers believe they have savings, steady income, or long‑owned homes.

During National Consumer Protection Week and leading into AARP’s annual Fraud Prevention Month, AARP Virgin Islands is encouraging residents of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John to stay alert, informed, and empowered. Fraud thrives in silence—but when people know what to watch for and where to turn, we can stop scams before they cause serious harm.

Why Reporting Fraud Matters in the U.S. Virgin Islands

man talking on phone reading off credit card number

AARP Fraud Watch Network Center

Fraud is significantly underreported—not just nationwide, but here in the territory as well. Many Virgin Islanders don’t realize that a scam attempt is a crime, especially if no money was lost. Others feel embarrassed or worry they won’t be taken seriously. But reporting fraud is critical.

Every report helps build a clearer picture of how scammers operate in the Virgin Islands, making it easier for local and federal authorities to identify patterns and warn the community.

If you suspect fraud:

Contact your bank or credit union immediately. Fast action may prevent additional losses or halt unauthorized transactions.
File a report with local law enforcement. This creates an official record that may be helpful for recovery and for identifying ongoing scam activity in the territory.
Report scams federally. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (ic3.gov) tracks scams affecting U.S. territories, including the USVI.
Share your experience with policymakers. When territorial leaders and Members of Congress hear directly from constituents, fraud prevention is more likely to receive attention and resources.

If you’re unsure what steps to take, the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ can help guide you.

Tax Season Alert: Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Impostor Scams

AARP Fraud Watch Network Center

Tax season is a prime opportunity for scammers, and Virgin Islanders should be especially cautious of messages claiming to come from the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

The USVI operates under a “mirror” tax system—meaning residents file and pay income taxes locally through the Bureau of Internal Revenue, not directly with the IRS. Scammers may exploit confusion about this system by posing as BIR officials and requesting sensitive personal or banking information.

Virgin Islanders may receive:

Calls, extensions, or emails claiming there’s a problem with a tax refund
Messages saying banking details must be “updated” or “verified”
Threats of penalties or enforcement action unless immediate payment or information is provided

These are red flags. The Bureau of Internal Revenue does not initiate contact by phone, text, or email to demand personal or financial information. Legitimate communications are typically sent by official mail.

If you’re unsure whether a message is legitimate:

Do not respond or click on links
Do not share personal or banking information
Contact the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue directly using trusted contact information from its official website or offices

Taking a moment to verify could prevent identity theft and financial loss.

“We’ll Buy Your Home” Offers: A Growing Concern for USVI Homeowners

Image of house in a neighborhood upside down in a mailbox

AARP Fraud Watch Network Center

Homeownership is a point of pride for many Virgin Islanders, especially older residents who have lived in their homes for decades. Unfortunately, that equity can make homeowners attractive targets for misleading “We Buy Homes” ads, mailers, and phone calls.

These schemes often focus on homeowners who may be experiencing stress related to storm recovery, financial challenges, or family loss. Tactics commonly include:

Pressuring you to sell quickly
Offering far below market value
Claiming you owe back taxes or could lose your home
Advertising “cash” or “as‑is” purchases, then demanding repairs later

Before responding to any unsolicited home‑buying offer:

Learn your home’s true market value
Read contracts carefully
Seek legal or financial guidance

Rushed decisions can lead to permanent loss of generational wealth—something many Virgin Islands families have worked hard to build.

Join AARP Virgin Islands During Fraud Prevention Month

Scams may be everywhere—but so is help. This April, AARP is marking Fraud Prevention Month with free educational events and resources designed to help Virgin Islanders stay safe and informed.

Fraud affects every generation and every island. By learning together and sharing information, we strengthen our entire community.

Free, Trusted Help Is Available

If something doesn’t feel right—trust your instincts. You don’t have to handle it alone.

📞 Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network™ Helpline: 877‑908‑3360

Trained fraud specialists can help you:

Vet suspicious messages or offers
Understand next steps after a scam attempt
Get emotional support after fraud

🌐 Learn more at aarp.org/fraudsafety

Staying informed is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community. AARP Virgin Islands is committed to helping residents across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John fight fraud—and build safer, stronger communities.