Bermuda's Department of Health has warned businesses and the public about fraudulent emails and documents impersonating its Environmental Health Section to demand payment for alleged public health violations. The notices demand administrative fines in USDC through the Solana blockchain and threaten immediate closure if payment is not made within 24 hours. Legitimate Government of Bermuda enforcement notices never require payment in cryptocurrency or to digital wallet addresses.
Recipients should not pay or respond to the sender, and should avoid scanning QR codes, clicking links or following payment instructions in the communication. They should preserve the email and attachments, report the matter to the Bermuda Police Service Cybercrime Unit and contact the Environmental Health Section directly to verify any inspection or enforcement communication. Other warning signs include unofficial sender addresses, inaccurate descriptions of government enforcement procedures and pressure to pay to avoid public disclosure.