A mechanic, aged 28, from Korowiri in Labasa, has been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage as part of an investigation into a mobile money fraud case. This incident dates back to September 2023 when the victim inadvertently compromised her mobile money account by sharing a one-time password (OTP) code.
According to investigators, $216.00 was transferred from the victim’s account to the mechanic’s mobile number without her knowledge or consent. This prompted the victim to report the suspicious transaction to the Nabua Police Station, leading to an inquiry by law enforcement, who successfully traced the funds and identified the suspect. The accused is expected to appear in the Labasa Magistrate Court later today.
This case highlights an ongoing issue within the community, as it mirrors previous incidents where individuals were misled into sharing their OTPs, resulting in unauthorized transfers. For instance, a similar case involved a 39-year-old man who reportedly obtained $112.31 after convincing a victim that a number had been mistakenly sent to her, subsequently leading her to share her OTP.
The Fiji Police’s M-PAiSA Task Force has been actively addressing scams of this nature, emphasizing the importance of public awareness regarding the dangers of sharing sensitive information. They urge the community to remain vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited communications requesting personal details.
Authorities’ ongoing efforts to combat financial fraud present a hopeful outlook for preventing such incidents in the future, encouraging individuals to safeguard their personal information better. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of caution, it is possible to create a safer financial environment for everyone.
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