A 30-year-old woman has been apprehended by the Fiji Police Cyber Task Force for her alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme. The incident occurred on February 3, 2024, when a victim sent $600 in response to an online advertisement promoting the sale of an iPhone. After making the payment, the victim attempted to reach the accused for updates, but all communication ceased.
The victim subsequently reported the situation to the Totogo Police Station. Consequently, the accused has been charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception and has appeared in Suva Magistrates Court.
This case is part of a troubling pattern of online scams centered around technology products, reflecting past occurrences where individuals were duped into parting with money for items that never existed. A notable incident from July 2024 involved another woman who was taken to court after a victim sent $165 for a similarly fraudulent iPhone advertised on Facebook.
The ongoing rise in online scams underscores the urgent necessity for public awareness regarding online transactions. Authorities are advising consumers to exercise caution and rigorously verify sellers prior to making any payments. As the investigation proceeds, there is hope that increased awareness and preventive strategies will aid in safeguarding individuals against such deceptive practices in the future.
Leave a comment