A 30-year-old man from Davuilevu Housing is scheduled to appear in the Nasinu Magistrates Court today, facing charges linked to an alleged online scam involving a fraudulent rental car advertisement. The suspect has been charged by the Fiji Police Force Cyber Crime team with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception, and one count of Possession of Property Suspected to be Proceeds of Crime.
The case traces back to March 30 of last year, when the accused reportedly received $260 from a victim through an online money transfer after the latter engaged with a rental car advertisement on a social media page named “Fiji Rental Cars.” After the payment was made, the accused allegedly failed to deliver the vehicle or any service, prompting the victim to take action by reporting the incident to Lautoka Police Station.
This incident reflects a growing trend of online scams in Fiji, particularly in the context of rental services, as similar scams have recently surfaced. For instance, a 37-year-old was charged in a related case for deceiving a customer out of $260 for a rental car. Another notable case involved a 50-year-old accused of collecting $190 as a deposit for a car that was never provided. These incidents highlight pressing issues surrounding online fraud, emphasizing the need for consumers to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of offers, especially those encountered on social media platforms.
The proactive measures taken by law enforcement serve as a positive development, providing reassurance to consumers that actions are being undertaken to combat fraud. As digital transactions continue to become more commonplace, increased awareness and vigilance can foster a safer online environment for all.
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