The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) is notifying the public of the latest scam investigated by the Consumer Protection Services (CPS) Division. DLCA confirms that the Web site www.thesugarmillresort.com and all information included on the site are indeed fraudulent. “Similar to a recent Web site claiming the existence of a United States Virgin Islands Hospital on St. Thomas, the Web site for the Sugar Mill Resort is a scam.
“The creators of this fraudulent site went to great lengths to create a fictitious resort that is supposed to exist on the West End of St. Croix,” said Commissioner Wayne Biggs. The Web site’s homepage displays pictures of beaches and sunsets and other images that are supposed to depict a resort. It provides a well drafted “conceptual beachside view of the Sugar Mill Resort on St. Croix, USVI.” It goes on to describe certain amenities that can be enjoyed at the resort, “enjoy watersports, fishing, shopping, golf and fine dining on site.” The main page also indicates the location of the fake resort, “located just ten minutes west of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.” Specifically, the fraudulent Web site notes that “under construction are 320 beautiful two bedroom luxury condominium suites.”
Upon notification of this fictitious site, DLCA immediately looked into the matter and has fully examined the Web site. Additionally, the department has made contact with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) Building Permits and Coastal Zone Division along with the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission.
The Web site also highlights four specific tabs that provide additional information about the Sugar Mill Resort. Under the “information” tab there is a picture of a man that reads underneath, “L.F. Wright Global Construction Management Group, LLC.” It also lists an e-mail address: L.F. Wright@thesugarmillresort.com and a telephone number: (386)546-8920. On the same page there is a statement which states, “we are actively seeking investors or pre-purchase weeks at the resort.” Other tabs include: floor plans, Sugar Mill Marina, and employment opportunities.“ There are eight employment opportunities listed on the site which may look enticing; however ,DLCA reminds residents that this is indeed a scam and even with just your basic personal information, scam artists can forge clear access to your identity and what should be your most guarded information,” said Commissioner Biggs.
DLCA has reported the site and all of its information to the proper authorities and agencies armed with the resources to further investigate this matter and put an end to this deceptive Web site. The Consumer Protection Services (CPS) division continues to stand ready to investigate all matters that may put consumers at risk. As the leading agency of consumer protection DLCA will continue to monitor the existence of potential scams that are circulating throughout the territory to heighten residents’ awareness. If you have received solicitations of any kind and have questions about its legitimacy, or would like to file a complaint, contact the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Services, at 774-3130 on St. Thomas- St. John or 773-2226 on St. Croix.
