Five individuals have recently been charged by the Fiji Police M-PAiSA Task Force in connection with cases involving deception for financial gain. According to a statement from the Fiji Police, one of the suspects is a 32-year-old woman from Tavakubu, Lautoka, who allegedly deceived a member of the public out of $200 on July 28, 2023.
Additionally, a 20-year-old man from Waiyavi, Lautoka, is accused of dishonestly obtaining $327 in March 2022. This occurred after the victim transferred funds to the accused for the purchase of six bags of chicken that were advertised on Facebook, but the goods were never delivered. This same individual is also implicated in a similar scam involving a 50-year-old man.
Police reports indicate that a 24-year-old man was charged after he allegedly fraudulently received $200 for an item he advertised on Facebook. Following the transaction, he reportedly cut off all communication with the victim. Furthermore, a 33-year-old man allegedly received $190 in April of this year as a deposit for timber that he advertised on Facebook.
The Fiji Police Force has urged the public to remain vigilant and to verify all sales. They recommend that, whenever possible, individuals should personally inspect items before completing financial exchanges. The statement emphasized that those claiming to be sales representatives of established companies can be verified with a quick phone call to the business, as some scammers are known to operate by offering bulk goods at reduced prices.
The police reminded the public that conducting thorough checks before transferring money is crucial to avoid falling victim to online scams. All those accused were presented at the Lautoka Magistrate’s Court yesterday.