A couple from Labasa is currently in police custody and faces multiple charges, including eight counts of Unauthorized Access, ten counts of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception, one count of Impersonating a Police Officer, and one count related to Proceeds of Crime.
The investigation revealed that between September 2023 and November 2024, the 30-year-old businessman and his 36-year-old wife illicitly obtained $3,290 from eleven victims. Authorities discovered that the couple was contacting well-known individuals and logging into their Viber accounts through deceptive methods.
They would typically call their victims, claiming that their phone number was mistakenly given to a Japanese car dealer. In some instances, they portrayed themselves as police officers, informing victims that their numbers were being monitored and requesting international phone numbers for follow-up. This international number was, in essence, the Viber activation code, which they used to gain unauthorized access to accounts.
Once they accessed the Viber accounts of their targets, they contacted vulnerable individuals from the victims’ contact lists soliciting monetary assistance. Various police stations received reports regarding this fraudulent activity.
The couple is expected to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court later today.
This case serves as a reminder of the growing importance of cybersecurity and vigilance against scams, particularly those involving personal information. It highlights the need for communities to remain informed and cautious about sharing sensitive details, emphasizing that awareness can be a powerful tool in preventing such criminal activities.
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