What began as a Carnival purchase has now landed before the courts, after a Trinidadian woman was granted TT$10,000 (US$1,483) bail in connection with the alleged fraudulent purchase of fete tickets and event packages.

Satie Samaroo of Charlieville appeared before San Fernando High Court Master Delicia Bethelmy on January 26, charged with two counts of obtaining goods by false pretences.

The charges relate to goods valued at TT$34,500 (US$5,117) and TT$11,000 (US$1,631). 

Samaroo was granted bail, and the matter was adjourned to June 24, 2026, for a status hearing.

According to police, the matter was reported in July 2025 by the operations manager of a San Fernando-based company. Investigations revealed that between January 23 and 24, 2025, a woman purchased two event packages valued at TT$34,500 and 15 Carnival fete tickets worth TT$11,000.

Payment was allegedly made using two cheques, which were accepted as valid and the items handed over. 

However, when the cheques were later deposited, both were returned by the bank bearing the notation “account closed since 2021.”

Police said repeated efforts by the company to recover the funds were unsuccessful, prompting a formal report.

Following investigations, officers of the Fraud Squad conducted an exercise on January 22, 2026, at a residence along Kolahal Road, Charlieville. 

A search warrant was executed at the home, and Samaroo was arrested.

She was subsequently charged by Police Constable Mitchell.

In the wake of the incident, the Fraud Squad is advising business owners and vendors to verify cheques with their banks before releasing goods, particularly when dealing with unfamiliar customers. 

Police are also encouraging merchants to consider electronic payment options as a safeguard against fraud.