Five men have been charged by the Fiji Police MPaisa TaskForce for allegedly obtaining money through deceptive practices in the towns of Labasa, Ba, and Nadi.
The first suspect, a 32-year-old from Bulileka in Labasa, is accused of fraudulently acquiring $230 from a victim on March 15, 2024. He reportedly hacked into a friend’s Viber account and sent a message posing as the friend, requesting money for urgent needs. When the victim realized it was a scam, they reported the incident.
In another case, a 26-year-old from Siberia in Labasa allegedly received $80 from a victim for goods advertised on Facebook. After the victim sent the money, the accused failed to deliver the promised items.
Both individuals are set to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today.
Additionally, two men will face court in Ba for similar charges. A 27-year-old from Rarawai, Ba, allegedly scammed a victim out of $2,847 in December 2023, after the victim clicked on an investment link on Facebook and transferred the money based on the provided bank account details. When the victim received no updates, the police were notified.
In Ba, a 37-year-old man from Tauvegavega is accused of dishonestly obtaining $170 from a victim on February 7, 2023, in connection with a taxi permit application. The victim was misled into sending money after receiving a call about the approval of his application but failed to hear back on the permit.
Finally, a 49-year-old from Navo in Nadi allegedly scammed a victim out of $286 on March 23, 2021. He and a friend claimed they could secure employment for the victim, requesting the money before cutting off all communication. The incident was reported at the Labasa Police Station.
All five men face charges of obtaining financial advantage by deception.