Two individuals have been charged by the Fiji Police MPaisa Task Force for obtaining financial advantage by deception through a mobile money transfer app.
In the first case, a 42-year-old woman from Natabua in Lautoka allegedly obtained $200 dishonestly from a member of the public. The woman reportedly sent a fake text message to the victim, stating that he had received $200. She then called the victim, claiming the money had been sent by mistake, and requested it to be transferred back to her number. The victim complied, but later discovered that no initial transfer had taken place. The woman withdrew the $200 at a supermarket outlet in Lautoka. She is scheduled to appear in the Lautoka Magistrates Court today.
In the second case, a 32-year-old man from Lautoka allegedly obtained $730 dishonestly on February 13, 2024. The man reportedly sent a message to the victim, claiming to be a supermarket employee selling goods and asked the victim to select items to purchase. The accused then requested the money be sent but failed to deliver the goods. He has been charged with one count of obtaining financial advantage by deception and will also appear in the Lautoka Magistrates Court today.