A 54-year-old farmer and a 26-year-old woman from Seqaqa are scheduled to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today, facing charges of Obtaining Financial Advantage. The charges stem from an incident on July 19, 2022, when the two allegedly fraudulently acquired $356 from a victim via the mpaisa mobile payment platform.
According to investigations, the 54-year-old contacted the victim, claiming that money had been mistakenly sent to her account and requesting its return. Trusting the alleged misinformation, the victim sent back the funds, only for the farmer to swiftly transfer the amount into the 26-year-old’s mpaisa account.
The victim later discovered that funds had been transferred from her account without her consent. Following this realization, she reported the incident to the Taveuni Police. Both accused individuals are currently in police custody and will address the court proceedings later today.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance in digital finance, where scams can take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder for the public to remain cautious and verify claims made during financial transactions. It is hoped that justice will prevail, providing a sense of closure for the victim and accountability for those accused.
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