The Fiji Police Force’s Mpaisa Taskforce has charged two women for engaging in fraudulent activities aimed at obtaining financial advantages through deception.

In the first case, a 23-year-old woman from Rakiraki is facing allegations of unlawfully acquiring $336 from a member of the public via the Mpaisa platform on January 31, 2023. Investigations indicated that she received money mistakenly transferred to her account and subsequently withdrew the funds, knowing she was not entitled to them. Following the incident, the matter was reported to the Valelevu Police Station, and she is currently in custody awaiting her appearance in the Sigatoka Magistrate Court today.

In another instance, a 44-year-old caregiver from Dreketi Feeder Road in Lautoka has also been charged with obtaining financial advantage under similar circumstances. It is alleged that she fraudulently obtained $250 through the Mpaisa platform by creating a Facebook account in her husband’s name, without his consent. Through this account, she reportedly solicited payments for services that were never provided, leading to her arrest after the matter was reported to the Nabua Police Station. She is expected to appear in the Lautoka Magistrate Court today.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges of financial fraud associated with digital transactions, particularly through platforms like Mpaisa. The Fiji Police are encouraging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as this vigilance is essential to safeguard individuals against financial exploitation.

As the authorities continue to address these fraudulent activities, there is a hopeful outlook that increased public awareness and prompt reporting can contribute to reducing the incidence of such fraud. The commitment exhibited by the Fiji Police in tackling these issues represents a significant step towards ensuring the community’s safety in an increasingly digital financial landscape.

In summary, the swift actions against these fraudulent cases not only aim to hold individuals accountable but also serve to reinforce the importance of community awareness and proactive engagement in preventing financial exploitation.