The Fiji Police Force has issued a critical warning urging the public to be cautious about communications from individuals claiming to be police officers, particularly when these requests occur through messaging platforms. Authorities are emphasizing that legitimate police representatives will never ask for personal information or sensitive details, such as PIN numbers or One Time Passwords (OTPs), via channels including Viber, WhatsApp, or emails.
This advisory comes on the heels of a recent increase in scams targeting unsuspecting individuals, where scammers impersonate officials to extract personal data. The police are reminding the community to stay vigilant and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments received from unknown or suspicious contacts, even if they appear legitimate.
To ascertain the authenticity of any police-related communication or to report suspicious activity, the public is encouraged to reach out to the National Police Command Centre at 9905 296. This proactive approach aims to protect individuals from falling victim to scams that capitalize on fear and confusion.
Previous reports have highlighted various scams that have taken advantage of vulnerable members of the community, often leading to significant financial loss. In recent incidents, perpetrators have been known to hack into accounts of victims’ acquaintances, sending deceitful requests for money. Such actions not only cause direct financial harm but also undermine community trust.
Together with these efforts, the Fiji Online Safety Commission has been actively advising the public to enhance their online safety by adopting strong privacy settings and being skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. By fostering a culture of awareness and vigilance, individuals can better protect themselves against online fraud.
As awareness grows and educational initiatives continue, there is hope that the community can collectively strengthen its defenses against these increasingly sophisticated scams, leading to a more secure environment for everyone.
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