Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued an important advisory urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant while handling the withdrawal of the government’s recently disbursed $200 back-to-school financial assistance. He strongly recommends that adults should take full responsibility for these transactions, emphasizing that children should not be entrusted with this task due to the potential risks involved.

With many families expected to access these funds from outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online platforms, Mr. Chew cautions that scammers are likely to be on the lookout, preparing to exploit this busy financial period. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he remarked, underlining the necessity for parents to be particularly careful.

Mr. Chew also highlighted the importance of safeguarding sensitive personal information during online transactions, such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. He noted that if money is lost through scams, recovery can be a frustrating and lengthy process involving multiple external agencies and law enforcement.

This advisory aligns with prior alerts from the Fiji Police regarding the surge in scams targeting families, particularly during significant financial events like the back-to-school season. Parents are urged to be skeptical of unsolicited financial requests received via digital platforms, including text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook, which are often exploited by fraudsters.

To combat these threats, authorities promote community awareness, encouraging families to discuss potential scams openly and educate themselves about safe financial practices. By fostering a culture of collective vigilance, families can protect one another and contribute to a supportive environment resistant to financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory serves as a crucial reminder for families to practice responsible financial behaviors during this vital back-to-school season. By adopting careful financial practices and sharing knowledge within their communities, families can navigate this challenging financial landscape with greater security. This proactive approach not only safeguards individual interests but also fosters a stronger, more resilient community where everyone can thrive without fear of falling victim to scams.