Over the recent holiday period, customers who visited some Western Union outlets were shocked to hear that the funds which they had come to collect had already been paid out to them.

Investigators from the Fraud Squad told THE STAR that it was discovered that individuals employed to the company were providing sensitive information to outsiders regarding the accounts of persons who were scheduled to collect money.

Investigations also revealed that the outsiders, possessing relevant information, proceeded to prepare fictitious identification cards in the names of the persons expecting to receive funds from abroad.

As a result, the company was forced to launch investigations after frustrated customers were told that they had already collected their remittances.

The Fraud Squad was called in to aid in the investigations and two employees from one branch have so far reportedly been charged in connection with the scam.

Those charged in connection with the scam are Adrinne Cameron and Nordia Bennett, both employed to the Seaward Drive branch of Western Union.

The two, who were reportedly arrested on Christmas Eve, appeared in court last week and were offered bail.

The police have also discovered that half-a-million dollars has been lost in the scam, a figure which could rise as investigations continue, a police source told THE STAR.

Cameron and Bennett are scheduled to return to court on January 11.