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Illustration of Labasa couple charged with multiple counts

Couple Arrested in Alarming Cyber Fraud Scheme: What You Need to Know

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A couple from Labasa is currently in police custody facing multiple charges, including eight counts of Unauthorized Access, ten counts of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception, one count of Impersonation as a Police Officer, and one count related to Proceeds of Crime.

According to investigations, the 30-year-old businessman and his 36-year-old wife allegedly swindled a total of $3,290 from eleven victims between September 2023 and November 2024. The couple reportedly targeted prominent individuals by illegally accessing their Viber accounts, leveraging personal information to manipulate these victims.

The scheme involved calling victims under the guise of a misunderstanding with a Japanese car dealer or impersonating police officers. They falsely claimed that the victims’ numbers were being monitored and asked for an international phone number related to the call, which was actually a request for the Viber activation code. After gaining access to the victims’ Viber accounts, they would solicit money from those within the victims’ contact lists who they deemed vulnerable.

The police received multiple reports of the couple’s activities, leading to their arrest. They are scheduled to appear in Labasa Magistrates Court today at 2:30 PM.

This incident highlights the importance of digital security and awareness about potential scams. As technology evolves, so do fraudulent tactics, making it crucial for individuals to protect their personal information and verify the identities of those reaching out to them. By raising awareness about such scams, communities can work together to minimize risks and support victims of deception.


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