The Fiji Police Force’s Mpaisa Taskforce has charged two women in separate cases of financial fraud involving the Mpaisa platform. A 23-year-old woman from Rakiraki is accused of unlawfully obtaining $336 from a member of the public on January 31, 2023. Investigations revealed that she received these funds mistakenly transferred to her account and withdrew them, knowing she was not entitled to the money. This incident was reported to the Valelevu Police Station, leading to her arrest, and she is currently in custody awaiting her appearance in the Sigatoka Magistrate Court today.

In another case, a 44-year-old caregiver from Dreketi Feeder Road in Lautoka has also been charged with financial deceit. She is alleged to have fraudulently obtained $250 from another individual through the Mpaisa platform last January. Reports indicate she created a Facebook account impersonating her husband, a Disk Jockey who provides live streaming services, to solicit payments for services that were never rendered. This unauthorized use of her husband’s identity came to light when the matter was reported to the Nabua Police Station, which led to her arrest as well; she is scheduled to appear in the Lautoka Magistrate Court today.

These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges related to financial fraud tied to digital transactions, particularly on platforms like Mpaisa. The Fiji Police are urging the public to remain vigilant against suspicious activities and report any instances of fraud, emphasizing the importance of community awareness to protect individuals from financial exploitation.

In summary, the proactive measures taken by the Fiji Police to address these fraudulent activities underline a commitment to safeguarding the community’s interests in an increasingly digital financial landscape. As awareness grows regarding the potential for deception in online transactions, there is hope that fewer individuals will fall victim to such fraudulent practices.