Two individuals have been charged by the Fiji Police MPaisa Task Force for Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception through the mobile money transfer app.
In the first incident, a 42-year-old woman from Natabua in Lautoka allegedly obtained $200 from a member of the public by sending a fake text message indicating that the recipient had received $200. The woman then contacted the victim, claiming that the money was sent by mistake and requesting it be sent back to her number. The victim complied, later realizing there had been no prior transfer of $200. The accused withdrew the $200 at a supermarket in Lautoka. She will appear at the Lautoka Magistrates Court today.
In the second incident, a 32-year-old man from Lautoka is accused of dishonestly obtaining $730 on February 13, 2024. He allegedly messaged the victim, claiming to be a supermarket employee selling goods and asked the victim to choose items for purchase. After receiving the money, the accused failed to deliver the goods as promised. He has been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception and will also appear at the Lautoka Magistrates Court today.