Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: The Directorate General of Shipping has released an advisory cautioning seafarers and their families about fraudulent schemes. The advisory cautions against people requesting money under false pretenses and making false claims to be connected to law enforcement or seafarers.
There have been cases reported where relatives of seafarers are called, messaged, or sent emails claiming that their loved ones are smuggling or committing murder, and the relatives are then demanded to pay money to be freed. These assertions are frequently deceptive attempts to take advantage of gullible family members.
The Directorate General of Shipping highlights the significance of coordinated efforts to prevent seafarers and their families from falling victim to dishonest schemes. The advisory advises families to confirm the identity of callers and not to transfer money without proper verification.
If such calls are received, families are urged to notify the relevant recruitment agency or ship-owners immediately. These agencies are instructed to alert law enforcement authorities to prevent further victimization and ensure the safety of seafarers and their families.
Families who receive such fraudulent messages are asked to immediately report the situation to the appropriate nodal officer of the Recruitment and Placement Services (RPS) agency or the representatives of the ship-owners through whom the seafarer is engaged.
These agencies are then directed to notify the appropriate law enforcement authorities to avoid further victimization and protect the safety and security of seafarers and their families.
The Directorate General of Shipping, an associated office of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping. and Waterways, Government of India, oversees all execlative matters relating to merchant shipping
The release of this warning demonstrates the government’s seriousness in addressing the issue of fraud against seafarers’ families.
