Fake PM Profile Targets Belizeans With Grant Scam

A fraudulent Facebook account impersonating Belize’s Prime Minister John Briceño has been targeting citizens with a deceptive grant scam. The scammer, using the Prime Minister’s name, photo, and profile, has been messaging individuals with promises of financial assistance through a purported “cashgrant program” funded by the United States and the United Nations. The messages begin with friendly greetings before introducing the fake initiative, claiming it aims to support vulnerable groups such as the disabled, widows, widowers, and the elderly. The impersonator falsely asserts that they have been allocated $50,000 to distribute to selected citizens, further attempting to legitimize the scam by mentioning prior disbursements to friends and other individuals. This scheme follows a well-known pattern of online fraud: building trust, offering financial incentives, and coercing victims into sharing personal information or sending money. The messages are riddled with spelling errors, incorrect phrasing, and inaccurate descriptions of international agencies, all hallmarks of fraudulent communications. This incident is not isolated. In October, the Belizean government warned the public about a fake AI-generated video circulating on social media that encouraged viewers to invest money for quick returns. The video, which featured manipulated images of prominent Belizeans, including Prime Minister Briceño, was entirely fabricated. Authorities have highlighted the increasing prevalence of AI “deepfake” scams, which can convincingly alter voices and faces, and have urged citizens to remain vigilant and avoid sharing personal information or sending money in response to such schemes.