The Fiji Police Force’s Mpaisa Taskforce has recently charged two women in separate incidents of financial fraud associated with the Mpaisa platform. A 23-year-old woman from Rakiraki is facing allegations of unlawfully obtaining $336 from a member of the public on January 31, 2023. Investigations revealed that the funds were mistakenly transferred to her account, which she then withdrew despite not being entitled to them. Following this incident, the victim reported the matter to the Valelevu Police Station, and the woman is currently in police custody, set to appear in the Sigatoka Magistrate Court.

In a related case, a 44-year-old caregiver from Dreketi Feeder Road in Lautoka has also been charged for obtaining a financial advantage. It is alleged that she fraudulently collected $250 through the Mpaisa platform last January. Reports state she created a Facebook account impersonating her husband, a DJ who provides live streaming services, and received payments for services that were never provided without his knowledge. This incident was reported to the Nabua Police Station, resulting in her arrest, and she is also in custody awaiting her court appearance.

These recent cases underscore the ongoing issues of digital financial fraud, highlighting the risks and vulnerabilities associated with online transactions. The Fiji Police encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help protect against financial exploitation.

This commitment to addressing fraudulent activities is a reassuring step for the community, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding individual financial interests in an increasingly digital landscape. As awareness grows around the tactics used in these types of fraud, there is hope that such vigilance and cooperation will lead to a decline in similar incidents in the future.