The Fiji Police Force’s Mpaisa Taskforce has recently charged two women in separate incidents of financial deception. A 23-year-old woman from Rakiraki is accused of wrongfully obtaining $336 from a member of the public through the Mpaisa platform on January 31, 2023. Investigators discovered that she had withdrawn the funds, which she was not entitled to, after they were mistakenly transferred to her account. The victim reported the matter to the Valelevu Police Station, leading to her arrest. She is currently in custody and will appear in the Sigatoka Magistrate Court today.

In a separate case, a 44-year-old caregiver from Dreketi Feeder Road, Lautoka, has also been charged with fraud for allegedly acquiring $250 through the same Mpaisa platform last January. Reports indicate that she created a Facebook account impersonating her husband, a Disk Jockey, and received payments for services that were never rendered without his knowledge. This fraudulent scheme came to light when the victim reported the incident to the Nabua Police Station. The caregiver is similarly in custody and will face the Lautoka Magistrate Court today.

These cases highlight the serious issue of financial fraud related to digital transactions in Fiji, particularly involving online platforms like Mpaisa. The police are emphasizing the importance of public vigilance in safeguarding against such deceptive practices and urge individuals to report any suspicious activities. As law enforcement continues to crack down on fraud, it is hoped that these efforts will not only hold offenders accountable but also raise community awareness and decrease the incidence of financial exploitation.

In summary, the Fiji Police’s commitment to tackling financial fraud through the Mpaisa platform serves as a crucial reminder for the public to stay alert in their online transactions. By reporting suspicious behavior, communities can work together to reduce the risk of fraud and enhance the safety of digital financial interactions.