A 38-year-old man from Nadi Back Road has been charged with multiple counts of obtaining financial advantage through deception, amounting to a total of $11,201. The charges stem from incidents between April 2023 and November 2023, during which the accused targeted eleven individuals by falsely advertising plyboard and floor timber on social media. Utilizing the name of a different company and various mobile numbers, he solicited deposits from interested buyers via his mobile number and personal bank account, but failed to deliver the paid items.

This case closely mirrors another recent incident in which a man of the same age was charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception. He was accused of defrauding five victims of $7,235 through a similar modus operandi on social media platforms. Both cases illustrate a worrying trend of online fraud in Fiji, especially with the rapid rise of e-commerce and social media usage, highlighting the necessity for vigilance among consumers during online transactions.

As the situation develops, the accused is expected to appear in the Suva Magistrate Court today. The ongoing investigations by the Police Cybercrime Team not only aim to hold fraudsters accountable but also to raise awareness about the risks associated with online shopping. This serves as a crucial reminder for potential buyers to thoroughly check the legitimacy of sellers and their offerings to safeguard against similar scams.

In conclusion, these legal actions showcase the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat online fraud, fostering a safer environment for consumers. By promoting caution and diligence, the community can work together to deter fraudulent activities and build trust in the evolving digital marketplace.