Labasa man charged with stealing over $7,000 from elderly woman after ATM PIN swap
A 28-year-old man has been charged with allegedly stealing more than $7,000 from an 80-year-old Labasa woman. The court heard that the accused was trusted by the victim to assist with withdrawing money from an ATM in Labasa town earlier this year. After obtaining her personal identification number, he allegedly swapped his ATM card with hers and proceeded to make multiple withdrawals throughout February 2025. Police confirmed the withdrawals totaled over $7,000 before his arrest. He faces 11 counts of theft and was produced at the Labasa Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 August 2025. The accused has been remanded in custody and is set to reappear for a formal bail application on 1 September 2025.
Context and related cases
This case follows a pattern in Labasa where individuals have faced charges for obtaining financial advantage by deception in separate incidents. In previous incidents, a 24-year-old man was accused of obtaining $957 from a victim’s account on October 10, 2022, after the victim discovered an unauthorized transfer. A second 24-year-old man from Bulileka was charged with dishonestly obtaining $389 from another victim by transferring the amount without consent. The two cases were reported to Labasa Police Station and Valelevu Police Station, respectively. These examples, along with other recent local cases, underscore the ongoing risk of financial deception in the community.
Broader context
Across Fiji, authorities have highlighted similar scams involving mobile money platforms and deceitful tactics such as tricking victims into sharing one-time PINs (OTPs). Such incidents emphasize the importance of safeguarding personal information and remaining vigilant during digital transactions.
What this means for readers
– Protect personal data: never share PINs, OTPs, or other security details with anyone.
– Verify before assisting: if someone asks you to perform a banking task for them, verify their identity and contact your bank or police if anything seems unusual.
– Monitor accounts closely: regularly review bank and mobile money activity and report suspicious transactions immediately.
Hopeful note
Law enforcement continues to pursue these cases, and court proceedings are underway, reinforcing a broader push toward greater protection for vulnerable victims and stronger public awareness about financial scams. Communities are encouraged to stay informed and take preventive steps to reduce the risk of theft and deception in everyday financial transactions.
Summary
A Labasa man has been charged with 11 counts of theft for allegedly swapping an elderly woman’s ATM card and PIN and withdrawing over $7,000 during February 2025. He appeared in court and was remanded until September 1, 2025. This case aligns with other recent Labasa cases involving similar acts of deception and theft, part of a broader pattern of financial crime in Fiji. Public vigilance and safeguarding of personal banking information remain essential.
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