A couple from Labasa has been taken into police custody facing serious 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.
Investigations indicate that between September 2023 and November 2024, the 30-year-old businessman and his 36-year-old wife fraudulently acquired $3,290 from eleven victims. According to police reports, the couple engaged in deceptive practices by contacting notable individuals and unlawfully accessing their Viber accounts.
The couple posed as ordinary callers, claiming that their number had been mistakenly provided to a Japanese car dealer. On some occasions, they impersonated police officers, notifying victims that their phone numbers were being monitored, and requested the international phone number that had called them. This request was a ruse to obtain the Viber activation code.
With access to the victims’ Viber accounts, the couple proceeded to request financial help from vulnerable individuals within the accounts’ contact lists. The situation has prompted multiple reports at various police stations, leading to their arrest. They are set to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today at 2:30 PM.
This situation serves as a reminder to remain vigilant about personal information and online security, highlighting the importance of cybersecurity awareness in today’s digital age. It’s essential for individuals to verify the identity of those contacting them, especially when financial requests are involved.
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