Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has issued a crucial advisory urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant during the withdrawal of the back-to-school financial assistance of $200 provided by the Government. He strongly recommends that parents should handle these transactions personally and not delegate these responsibilities to their children, in order to safeguard against potential fraud.

Mr. Chew raised concerns about the increased risks associated with this busy financial period, cautioning that “you don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money.” He emphasized that as many families visit outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online platforms to access their funds, they must be especially cautious.

In light of growing online scams, the Commissioner urged parents to be careful when sharing sensitive personal information, such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. The complexity of recovering lost funds, which often requires police and other external agencies’ involvement, adds to the urgency of his message. Frustration can ensue when money is lost, but recovery processes are rarely straightforward.

This advisory aligns with previous warnings from the Fiji Police regarding an uptick in scams targeting parents during the sensitive back-to-school period. Authorities have highlighted the need for skepticism toward unsolicited financial requests, especially those received through popular communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook, which are often exploited by scammers.

To combat these threats, the police are promoting awareness and encouraging families to openly discuss potential scams and share knowledge about safe financial practices. Building a culture of community collaboration not only bolsters individual security but enhances collective resilience against financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory serves as a timely reminder for families to practice vigilant financial behavior during this important season. By fostering community awareness and cooperation, families can navigate financial transactions with confidence, ensuring a safer environment for everyone. This proactive approach allows families to thrive without the fear of being victimized by fraudsters, ultimately contributing to stronger community ties.