BPO Industry Responds as Credit Card Scam Probe Widens

Tonight, the country’s BPO industry is responding to growing public concern after our own News Five investigation uncovered an alleged credit card scam tied to individuals connected to the sector. The Belize Business Process Outsourcing Association isn’t shying away from the issue; they acknowledge that illicit activity is happening but say it does not represent the standards of Belize’s legitimate BPO operations. Prime Minister John Briceño has confirmed that investigations are underway after overseas victims reported unauthorized credit card charges that traced back to Belize. And while the association reminds the public that most BPOs here operate under strict international compliance rules, like PCI certification, secure data environments, and regular outside audits, it also stresses just how vital the industry is, employing some twenty thousand Belizeans and generating roughly a hundred and fifty million US dollars in wages every year. In the wake of what our investigation has revealed, the association says it’s now working with its member companies to tighten security and fully cooperate with law enforcement. We’ll have much more for you in tomorrow night’s news, including a deeper look at everything News Five has uncovered so far.