Commissioner Richard Evangelista of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) advises the public that there is an individual and/or group presenting themselves as the Government of the United States Virgin Islands and soliciting donations from companies operating in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The solicitation indicates “President Donald Trump Jr. is seeking donations of $25,000 and upwards from companies and business owners operating within Virgin Islands to fund research programs to find a cure and possibly a vaccine for the deadly COVID-19 virus.”
The letter further states that “Governor Albert Bryan Jr. endorsed the appointment of Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Kirk Callwood, with the responsibility of coordinating the fundraising activities in the Virgin Islands.”
The solicitation is printed on what appears to be authentic letterhead, but upon closer examination, one quickly realizes that the contact number is incorrect for the Department of Finance and Commissioner Callwood’s signature was transposed from an unknown source.
If someone receives a call, email or letter requesting a donation for the Government of the Virgin Islands that the person believes to be suspicious, hang up or do not respond. DLCA encourages the public to report the solicitation for a donation to the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs or the V.I. Police Department.
For consumer related issues, email DLCA at consumerawareness@dlca.vi.gov or call its hotlines on St. Croix 727-SCAM(7226) or on St. Thomas-St. John at 771-SCAM(7226). Also, a consumer complaint can be filed at www.dlca.vi.gov.
For more information on COVID-19, the new strain of coronavirus, visit the USVI Department of Health’s website: www.doh.vi.gov/coronavirus or text COVID19USVI to 888777. For non-medical information, call 340-715-6843 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., 7 days a week. #COVID19USVI