Authorities at His Majesty’s Prison are intensifying efforts to curb a rise in phone scams run by inmates, amid ongoing struggles to stop mobile phones being smuggled inside.

Prison Superintendent Trevor Pennyfeather said his team is working with the Royal Police Force to seize contraband, but admitted that offenders “keep finding ways” to get phones into the facility.

Victims have lost thousands of dollars to scams, which typically involve requests for phone top-ups or goods. In one case, a person was tricked into buying over $1,000 worth of groceries. Some inmates have also used the names of prominent families to make their stories more convincing.

Officials say tougher action hinges on the passage of the Department of Corrections bill, which is expected to tighten penalties for phone smuggling and related offences.

The public is being urged to verify any such requests before sending money and to report suspected scams to the police.