A couple has been charged with fraud after allegedly obtaining $730 from four victims through the M-PAiSA platform. The Fiji Police Force’s M-Paisa Taskforce arrested the 30-year-old businessman and his 27-year-old wife in Delailabasa on Sunday for their suspected involvement in these deceptive practices.
The charges against the couple include four counts of unauthorized access, four counts of identity theft, four counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception (OFABD), and one count related to the proceeds of crime (POC). According to police investigations, the couple was targeting prominent individuals by calling them and logging into their Viber accounts without their consent.
The suspects reportedly informed their victims that their phone numbers had been mistakenly passed to a Japanese car dealer. In another tactic, they posed as police officers, claiming that the victims’ numbers were being monitored and requesting international phone numbers that had contacted them. These requested numbers were actually the Viber activation codes. Once they gained access to the victims’ Viber accounts, the couple would then reach out to vulnerable contacts in an attempt to solicit money.
The alleged fraudulent activities took place between September 2023 and December 2024, and the incidents were reported to the Totogo Police Station. Both individuals remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
This case serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance against online scams and identity theft. As technology continues to advance, criminals are finding increasingly inventive ways to exploit victims. It’s imperative for individuals to remain aware of unusual requests for personal information, particularly from unknown or unexpected sources.
In light of this incident, communities are urged to strengthen awareness and preventive measures around digital security. With ongoing education and resources, people can better protect themselves against such deceptive tactics, ensuring they do not fall prey to similar scams in the future.
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