For Immediate Release
Source: United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Contacts:
Alani Henneman-Todman, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism +1 340 774-8784
ahenneman@usvitourism.vi
Bevan Springer, Marketplace Excellence +1 201 861- 2056
bevan@marketplaceexcellence.com
UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM CALLS ON FACEBOOK TO REMOVE FAKE PAGE
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (February 29, 2020) – The United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism has contacted Facebook’s legal department and cybersecurity agencies about the existence of a fake Facebook page that continues to spread misinformation while purporting to represent the Territory’s tourism authorities.
Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte confirmed that communication was sent to Facebook’s legal department requesting its assistance with the removal of the imposter page, as it violates Facebook’s community standards, infringes upon the Department’s intellectual property rights, and poses a security and safety concern for the destination.
The page, captioned “USVI Department of Tourism” and located at https://www.facebook.com/USVI-Department-of-Tourism-107539267395429 , is fake and malicious. The public is cautioned not to interact with this page.
The Commissioner stated that community efforts to use Facebook’s website tool to request the removal of the fake pages have not been successful. The Department will now escalate its communications with law enforcement and explore additional legal options. Cybercrime is a federal offense that is punishable by law.
The Department of Tourism’s official Facebook page is located at www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI. The correct social media handles are Instagram ( @visitusvi ) and Twitter ( @usvitourism ).
Any concerns or inquiries should be addressed to: Alani Henneman-Todman, Director of Communications, at +1 340 774-8784 or ahenneman@usvitourism.vi.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi), Twitter (@usvitourism) and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI). When traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, U.S. citizens enjoy all the conveniences of domestic travel – including on-line check-in – making travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands easier than ever. As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.
ENDS
