A 54-year-old farmer and a 26-year-old woman from Seqaqa are set to appear in Labasa Magistrates Court today facing charges of Obtaining Financial Advantage. The charges stem from an incident on July 19, 2022, where it is alleged that the pair fraudulently obtained $356 from a victim via the mpaisa platform.
Investigations revealed that the farmer contacted the victim, claiming that a monetary error had occurred, and requested the victim to return the funds. Believing this to be a genuine mistake, the victim transferred the money back, only for the farmer to swiftly redirect the funds to the 26-year-old’s mpaisa account.
The victim later recognized that the money had been transferred from her account without her permission and promptly reported the incident to Taveuni Police Station. Both suspects are currently in police custody and will face the court later today.
This case serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant against potential scams and fraudulent activities, particularly in digital financial transactions. Awareness and caution can play a crucial role in preventing such deceitful schemes, ensuring that individuals protect their assets and personal information.
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