A 40-year-old woman narrowly escaped jail time after a 20-year-old hotel worker, who entrusted her with $2,000 as registration fee for a work programme, decided not to press charges against her.

Information reaching THE STAR is that the complainant had a change of heart after she was refunded an undetermined sum of money.

THE STAR understands that the woman, from a Kingston 10 address, promised the complainant job and sales training, then swindled her out of her money.

It was alleged that since paying the registration fee, the complainant has been unable to locate the accused.

A report was made to the New Kingston Police Post and an investigation commenced into the matter.

On April 6, the accused was apprehended in the Half-Way Tree area. She was taken into custody and later released.

Further, THE STAR understands that the accused was given a stern warning by the police after the charges against her were dropped.

When contacted, the New Kingston police confirmed the incident.

In the meantime, the police say there is a prevailing trend where individuals who claim to offer job services are tricking persons. They are warning the public to be on the lookout for these tricksters who try to obtain money by false pretence.