Police have charged two men—aged 22 and 50—each with obtaining financial advantage by deception and possession of property suspected to be the proceeds of crime. According to police reports, the younger man is accused of swindling $320 from a victim on March 22 of last year, purportedly as payment for a tent and table that he failed to deliver. Following the victim’s unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue directly, a report was filed at the Nakasi Police Station.
In a separate case, the 50-year-old is also set to appear in Nasinu Magistrates Court, facing similar charges. He allegedly deceived a victim on August 15, 2023, by obtaining $190 as a deposit for a rental car advertised on Facebook. After multiple attempts to contact him failed, the victim lodged a report at the Lautoka Police Station.
This ongoing situation underscores the increasing issue of online scams and fraudulent activities in recent times. As highlighted by previous cases, including those reported by the Fiji Police Mpaisa Task Force, the necessity for vigilance among consumers is paramount, especially when engaging in financial transactions online. Authorities continue to crack down on these deceptive practices, demonstrating a commitment to consumer protection and accountability.
It is vital for individuals to remain cautious and verify the legitimacy of online offers to avoid falling victim to scams, as exemplified by these recent incidents. The proactive measures by law enforcement indicate a hopeful trend towards reducing fraud, providing a safer environment for consumers over time.
Leave a comment