Counterfeit US Notes Alert at Port of Kingston Sparks Alarm

Counterfeit US Notes at Port of Kingston Trigger Police Alarm

Counterfeit US notes at Port of Kingston are no longer a distant risk. Jamaican police are now confirming a sharp rise in fake US currency being passed at businesses operating inside one of the country’s most critical trade zones.

For vendors, port workers, and everyday citizens, what looks like a routine transaction could quietly turn into a major financial loss.

Authorities say this is not random bad luck. It is organised, deliberate, and spreading.

How Counterfeit US Notes Slipped Through Without Raising Suspicion

During a recent JIS Think Tank briefing, Superintendent Rochelle McGibbon Scott, Commanding Officer of the Newport West Police Formation, revealed that several counterfeit US notes initially passed basic inspection checks.

In one confirmed case, a US$100 note was accepted at a Port of Kingston establishment. Goods were handed over. The individual walked away. Only later did deeper verification expose the note as fake.

That detail is what has authorities concerned. These counterfeit US notes at Port of Kingston are sophisticated enough to bypass quick visual checks and casual handling.

Video footage and still images connected to the transactions are now part of an active investigation.

Police Say This Is Not Isolated and That Is the Real Danger

Investigators believe these incidents are linked to an organised group deliberately targeting commercial establishments and unsuspecting individuals.

According to police intelligence, the Port of Kingston is being used because of its fast pace, high transaction volume, and frequent handling of foreign currency.

Superintendent McGibbon Scott warned that changing foreign currency for strangers is one of the most common ways people get trapped.

A single favour can turn into thousands of dollars lost.

What To Do If You Suspect Counterfeit US Notes at Port of Kingston

Police are urging calm, not confrontation.

If a business operator or individual suspects counterfeit US notes at Port of Kingston, they should not raise an alarm or challenge the person directly.

Instead, they are advised to discreetly contact the Newport West Police Formation at 876-412-9211.

Plain-clothes officers, including trained Criminal Investigation Branch operatives, are assigned to respond quickly and handle these situations professionally.

This approach protects both the business and the public while allowing investigators to track patterns.

Why Everyday Jamaicans Are Also Being Warned

The warning does not stop at businesses.

Police are encouraging all Jamaicans to remain alert when carrying large sums of cash. Displaying or counting money in public increases risk, especially in high-traffic commercial areas.

Authorities recommend separating cash so only the amount needed for a transaction is accessible at any given moment.

This simple habit can significantly reduce exposure to both counterfeit scams and robbery.

Cash Handling Mistakes That Criminal Groups Exploit

Police say organised counterfeit rings rely on predictability and convenience.

Businesses that delay securing excess cash or use unofficial couriers create easy targets. Authorities strongly advise using certified money transfer services and legitimate couriers when moving funds.

Unofficial cash handling not only increases the risk of loss but also exposes individuals to serious personal danger.

Why Port Security Matters to the Entire Country

The Newport West Police Formation operates under the Jamaica Constabulary Force and plays a key role in safeguarding Jamaica’s port infrastructure, particularly at the Port of Kingston.

This unit focuses on trade security, crime prevention, and protecting the flow of goods that support the national economy.

When counterfeit US notes circulate at the port, the impact reaches far beyond one transaction. It threatens trust, business stability, and Jamaica’s reputation as a secure trading hub.