Bermuda Health Department warns of fraudulent cryptocurrency scam

The Bermuda Department of Health has issued a warning to businesses and the public regarding a fraudulent email and document currently in circulation. The scam falsely claims to be issued by the Environmental Health Section, alleging that a business has committed public health violations.

The fraudulent notices demand payment of administrative fines in cryptocurrency, specifically USDC via the Solana blockchain network. The documents threaten the immediate closure of establishments if payment is not received within 24 hours.

Minister of Health Kim Wilson stated that the notice was not issued by the Department of Health, the Department of Public Health, or the Environmental Health Section. Government officials emphasized that no legitimate enforcement notice from the Government of Bermuda will ever require payment via cryptocurrency or to a digital wallet address.

Authorities identified several red flags, including requests for cryptocurrency, threats of rapid closure, instructions to use unofficial email addresses, and pressure to pay immediately to avoid public disclosure. Official government correspondence is issued through authorized email accounts ending in @gov.bm.