Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued a vital advisory urging parents and guardians to remain vigilant while managing the withdrawal of the recent $200 back-to-school financial assistance from the Government. As many families engage in this important financial transaction, Mr. Chew strongly recommends that children should not be entrusted with these responsibilities, stressing that adults should directly handle all such withdrawals to avoid potential fraud.

In light of the current climate where opportunistic fraudsters may target families, Chew emphasized the risk of exposure to scams, particularly during this busy period when many will be visiting outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online platforms. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he cautioned.

With the rise of digital transactions, the Commissioner pointed out the need for extreme caution when sharing sensitive personal information, including Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Once funds are lost to scams, recovering those funds can be incredibly complex, often requiring extensive involvement from law enforcement and external agencies.

This warning builds on previous advisories from the Fiji Police regarding the increasing prevalence of scams, particularly through popular messaging platforms like text messages, Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Parents are urged to be skeptical of unsolicited requests for money, especially those that seem too good to be true.

To mitigate these risks, the police are advocating a proactive approach, encouraging families to discuss common scams and educate themselves about safe financial practices. By fostering community awareness and cooperation, the aim is to create a collective shield against financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory not only serves as a reminder for families to practice responsible financial behavior during this crucial back-to-school season but also emphasizes community unity in tackling fraud. By staying informed and vigilant, families can enhance their financial security, ensuring a safer environment for everyone as they navigate this important time together. This collective effort not only safeguards individual interests but contributes to the establishment of a supportive community where families can thrive without fear of becoming victims of scams.