The Fiji Police Force’s Mpaisa Taskforce has charged two women for financial deception through the Mpaisa platform. In the first case, a 23-year-old resident of Rakiraki is accused of unlawfully obtaining $336 from a member of the public on January 31, 2023. Investigations revealed that the money, which was mistakenly transferred to her account, was withdrawn even though she had no entitlement to it. This incident was reported to the Valelevu Police Station, resulting in her arrest. She is currently in police custody awaiting her appearance in the Sigatoka Magistrate Court.

In a separate case, a 44-year-old caregiver from Dreketi Feeder Road, Lautoka, was charged under similar circumstances. She allegedly obtained $250 from another individual last January by creating a Facebook account impersonating her husband, a DJ who provides live streaming services. Authorities indicate that she collected payments for services that were never rendered, all without her husband’s knowledge. This matter was reported to the Nabua Police Station, which led to her arrest. She, too, is in custody and is scheduled to appear in the Lautoka Magistrate Court today.

These incidents underscore the ongoing challenges associated with financial fraud, particularly with digital transactions on platforms such as Mpaisa. The Fiji Police continue to urge the public to be vigilant against suspicious activities and to report any instances of fraud.

These enforcement actions highlight the commitment of the police to protect the community from financial exploitation, and as more individuals become aware of the risks involved in online transactions, there is hope that awareness and vigilance will lead to a decrease in fraudulent activities. The encouragement for timely reporting and community awareness is crucial in creating a safer environment for digital financial transactions.