Dr. Cynthia Pratt, Co-Chairperson of the Urban Renewal Commission announced that she has fallen victim to identity theft and fraud and warned the public to be aware, Monday, June 20, 2016.

During a press-conference at the headquarters of the Urban Renewal Commission, Centreville, Dr. Pratt revealed the details of the incident.

She said, “This past week I was alerted by a friend that my image appeared on Facebook from Citizen Fund requesting the names and numbers for persons to share in $46,000.00 which was awarded to Cynthia “Mother” Pratt.”

Dr. Pratt said she is not a member of Facebook and referred the public to the Royal Bahamas Police Force if they are approached by this organisation.

Adrana Lockhart, a teacher, said she was recently approached by an “impostor” in the name of Dr. Pratt regarding a citizen cash fund on Facebook. She was told that Mother Pratt had submitted her name and was asked to provide a reference number.

“Be aware if you receive anything on Facebook; Mother Pratt’s picture, it looks like her, it may even sound like her. Be aware that it is not Mother Pratt. It is identity theft and fraud,” said Ms. Lockhart.

Wilton Russell, Facebook analyst and sports coordinator for the Urban Renewal Commission, advised the public to be cautious of persons who are requesting friendship on Facebook.

He described the matter as a “sharp” scheme and said that culprits are creating profiles to solicit funds.

“They act as if they know you personally. This is a very serious matter and they are asking for large sums of money to be sent to them.”

Patricia Francis, First Assistant Secretary said, “We are in serious times and of course the most prominent among us will be targeted. To ensure the safety of all of us, use the simple reason I do not know who it is and delete it.”

She said it is a “serious” matter because it is not known if people have actually responded.

Police has been informed and is investigating the matter.