The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, has issued a strong advisory to parents and guardians, urging them to be vigilant while withdrawing the recent $200 back-to-school financial assistance provided by the Government. Mr. Chew emphasizes the importance of adults taking full responsibility for these transactions rather than allowing children to handle them, to prevent potential fraud.

During this particularly busy financial period, Chew warns that opportunistic fraudsters are active and may seek to exploit unsuspecting families. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he cautions. This warning comes as parents are likely to utilize various outlets such as Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online platforms to access their assistance funds.

The Commissioner highlights the risks associated with online transactions, urging individuals to be especially cautious when it comes to sharing sensitive personal information like Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. He explains that recovering lost funds can be a frustrating process that often requires prolonged engagement with law enforcement and other agencies.

This advisory aligns with previous warnings from the Fiji Police regarding the increase in scams targeting parents during sensitive financial periods, particularly around back-to-school time. Families are cautioned to remain skeptical of unsolicited requests for money received via messaging platforms such as text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook, where scammers frequently operate.

To combat these risks, the police are promoting heightened community awareness and encouraging families to discuss potential scams openly. By sharing knowledge about safe financial practices, the goal is to foster a resilient community that can safeguard itself against financial exploitation.

In summary, this important advisory serves as a reminder for families to stay alert and informed while managing their finances this school season. By implementing careful financial behaviors and fostering an informed community, families can navigate this period with greater confidence and security. This proactive approach aims to create a supportive environment where individuals can thrive without fear of becoming victims of scams.