The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has contacted Facebook’s legal department and cybersecurity agencies about the existence of a fake Facebook page that continues to spread misinformation while purporting to represent the territory’s tourism authorities.
Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte confirmed that communication was sent to Facebook’s legal department requesting its assistance with the removal of the imposter page, as it violates Facebook’s community standards, infringes upon the Department’s intellectual property rights, and poses a security and safety concern for the destination.
The page, captioned “USVI Department of Tourism” and located at https://www.facebook.com/USVI-Department-of-Tourism-107539267395429, is fake and malicious. The public is cautioned not to interact with this page.
The commissioner stated that community efforts to use Facebook’s website tool to request the removal of the fake pages have not been successful. The Department will now escalate its communications with law enforcement and explore additional legal options. Cybercrime is a federal offense that is punishable by law.
The Department of Tourism’s official Facebook page is located at www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI. The correct social media handles are Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism).
Any concerns or inquiries should be addressed to Alani Henneman-Todman, director of communications, at +1 340 774-8784 or ahenneman@usvitourism.vi.
