A widely circulated “High Security Notice” is making the rounds on social media, warning residents about alleged impostors going door to door and attempting to obtain personal and biometric information from householders.

The message claims that individuals are posing as government or Home Affairs officials and telling residents they are carrying out identification checks in preparation for an upcoming census.

According to the notice, the alleged impostors may arrive with official-looking documents and equipment, including laptops and biometric devices, before asking residents to provide identification, photographs or fingerprints.

The message further alleges that the individuals are using the scheme as a way to gain access to homes and commit robberies.

However, there is currently no indication that the warning originated in Antigua and Barbuda, and no local police or government agency has been identified as the source of the notice.

Checks show that virtually identical versions of the message have circulated internationally for some time. Versions containing the same claims about “Internal Affairs” employees, an upcoming census, photographs, fingerprints and biometric equipment appeared online well before the latest circulation.

The message has also surfaced in different countries and online communities, raising questions about whether it relates to any specific recent incident or is simply an older warning being recirculated.

While the claims should therefore not be presented as a confirmed local security alert, the advice to exercise caution when dealing with unexpected visitors remains important.

Residents should avoid handing over identification documents or sensitive personal information to anyone whose identity cannot be verified. Anyone claiming to represent a government department should be asked to produce proper credentials, which can then be independently checked with the relevant agency.

Members of the public are also encouraged to contact the police if they encounter individuals behaving suspiciously or attempting to gain entry to their homes under questionable circumstances.

The public should also exercise care when forwarding viral security messages, particularly when they do not identify when or where an alleged incident occurred or provide a verifiable official source.