The Fiji Police M-PAiSA task force has arrested and charged two individuals for their involvement in a financial deception scheme utilizing the mobile money transfer application. The suspects, who live in Davuilevu and Koronivia, are accused of working together to defraud victims through a rental car scam.
On September 17, the pair reportedly created several fake Facebook accounts to advertise rental cars, directing interested customers to make payments via the M-PAiSA app. One victim from Nadi sent $190 to the provided mobile number, only to find that he had been scammed when he could not reach the individuals afterward. Promptly, the victim reported the incident to the Nadi Police Station.
The accused, a 29-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman, have each been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception and Dishonestly Dealing with Personal Financial Information. They are scheduled to appear in the Nasinu Magistrates Court today.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilance when engaging in online transactions, especially in the context of an increasingly digital society. As more people use mobile applications for financial transactions, scammers may take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. Authorities are actively working to combat such deceptions, aiming to protect consumers and enforce the law against fraudsters.
With increased awareness and reporting mechanisms in place, community members are encouraged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to the police, promoting a safer online environment for everyone.
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