A 52-year-old man has been arrested by the Fiji Police Force M-Paisa Taskforce Team on charges of obtaining financial advantage through deception. The incident, which took place on September 8, 2023, involves the accused allegedly swindling $100 from the victim via the M-Paisa mobile payment service.
The investigation revealed that the victim encountered an advertisement on Facebook related to car rentals and was directed to make a deposit to secure a vehicle. After sending the payment, the victim was unable to reach the driver by phone, prompting them to report the situation to the Consumer Council. This report was subsequently forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Fiji Police Force in Suva for further action.
The accused is scheduled to appear in the Nasinu Magistrates Court later this afternoon.
This case highlights the importance of vigilance when engaging in online transactions, particularly through social media platforms. As digital interactions become increasingly common, it serves as a reminder for consumers to verify the legitimacy of offers and to report suspicious activities. Moreover, law enforcement’s prompt response to such cases underscores their commitment to protecting the community from fraud.
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