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Illustration of Acting COMPOL Cautions Parents in Withdrawing Cash

Stay Alert: Police Urge Caution in Back-to-School Payments

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Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued a crucial advisory urging parents and guardians to exercise heightened vigilance as they withdraw the recent $200 back-to-school financial assistance provided by the Government. He emphasizes that adults should directly manage these transactions, advising against allowing children to handle such responsibilities.

In light of the busy financial period, Mr. Chew warns that opportunistic fraudsters may be looking to exploit families during this time. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he cautioned, underscoring the importance of being aware when accessing funds from various outlets, including Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online services.

The Commissioner particularly highlights the risks associated with online transactions, where sharing sensitive personal information such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords can expose individuals to scams. He notes that recovering lost funds can be a complicated and time-consuming process, involving law enforcement and external agencies.

This advisory aligns with previous warnings from the Fiji Police regarding the increasing number of scams targeting parents during sensitive financial periods, especially around the back-to-school season. Families are encouraged to be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money received through popular communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook, which are frequently exploited by fraudsters.

In response to these threats, authorities are promoting community awareness and encouraging families to openly discuss common scams and safe financial practices. This proactive approach not only aims to protect individual families from fraud but also fosters resilience within the community against financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory serves as a timely reminder for families to stay alert and informed while managing their finances during this crucial period. By adopting cautious behaviors and fostering a culture of community cooperation, families can navigate the back-to-school season more securely, contributing to a supportive environment where they can thrive without the fear of scams.

This initiative reinforces the importance of collective vigilance and responsible financial management, making it imperative for families to be proactive in safeguarding their economic well-being.


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