The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, has issued a warning urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant, particularly during the withdrawal of back-to-school assistance funds. He advises against allowing children to handle these transactions, emphasizing that adults should be solely responsible for withdrawing the government-provided assistance of $200. This caution comes in light of increased fraud risks, particularly as many families are visiting Vodafone Fiji Limited outlets, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online services to access these funds.

Mr. Chew expressed concern about potential fraudsters who may take advantage of such busy times. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he warned. The notice reinforces earlier advisories from the Fiji Police, which have highlighted the prevalence of scams utilizing digital platforms like text messages, Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook, luring individuals into transferring money or revealing personal information under false pretenses.

Moreover, the police have previously stressed the importance of not divulging Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords, indicating that when funds go missing, recovery often becomes complicated, necessitating a lengthy process involving search warrants and multiple agencies.

The overarching theme of these advisories is to cultivate a culture of awareness and precaution within the community. By encouraging families to discuss potential scams and share information about fraud tactics, the police aim to build resilience against financial exploitation. This proactive approach not only protects individuals during vulnerable financial times but also fosters communal vigilance, making for a safer environment during the back-to-school season.

Overall, these warnings highlight the pressing need for careful spending and responsible financial practices, ensuring that families can safely navigate their finances without fear of falling victim to scams.