The Fiji Police Mpaisa Task Force has brought charges against five individuals in connection with cases of fraud involving financial advantage through deception.
In the first incident, a 32-year-old woman from Tavakubu, Lautoka, is accused of fraudulently acquiring $200 on July 28, 2023, from a victim. The woman allegedly received the money from a co-defendant, who has already been charged and appeared in court, after facilitating the transaction without the consent of the victim. It is claimed that she used the funds for her MasterCard.
In a second case, a 20-year-old resident of Waiyavi, Lautoka, is alleged to have dishonestly acquired $327 from a victim on March 4, 2023. The police investigation indicates that the victim sent this money to the accused for the purchase of six bags of chicken advertised on Facebook. The accused reportedly withdrew the money without providing the goods.
The same 20-year-old is also implicated in a similar scam involving a 50-year-old man from Lautoka. During March 2023, the two are believed to have unlawfully taken $820 from another victim for six bags of chicken, again advertised on Facebook, and failed to deliver the promised items.
In another separate case, a 24-year-old man allegedly obtained $200 from a victim for a product advertised on Facebook. After receiving the money, he ceased all communication with the victim.
Lastly, a 33-year-old man is accused of taking $190 in April 2024 as a deposit for timber that was advertised online through Facebook.
All five individuals are scheduled to appear at the Lautoka Magistrates Court today.
The Fiji Police Force is advising internet users to verify all online sales and, whenever possible, to personally inspect items before finalizing a financial exchange. If the items are located in a different area, individuals are encouraged to ask friends or relatives to check them out on their behalf. They also recommend that individuals claiming to be sales agents for recognized companies should be validated through a quick phone call to the company to ensure legitimacy, as some may be falsely offering bulk goods at lower prices. It is crucial to conduct thorough checks before making any financial transactions to avoid falling victim to online scams.