The Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, is calling on parents and guardians to exercise increased vigilance as they withdraw the recently issued $200 back-to-school financial assistance from the Government. He strongly advises against allowing children to carry out these transactions, emphasizing that adults should take full responsibility to protect these funds from potential fraud.

Mr. Chew cautions that during this busy financial period, opportunistic fraudsters may be targeting families. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he warned. As families turn to various outlets, including Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online services to access their assistance, it’s crucial for parents to remain alert.

The Commissioner highlights the importance of safeguarding personal information, particularly when engaging in online transactions. Sharing sensitive details such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords can expose individuals to scams, and recovering lost funds can be a complex, time-consuming process that often requires police involvement.

This advisory aligns with previous warnings issued by the Fiji Police regarding the rising prevalence of scams targeting parents during financial periods such as back-to-school season. Authorities have urged families to be wary of unsolicited financial requests received via digital platforms like WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook, and text messages, which are commonly used by scammers.

To mitigate these risks, police are advocating for community awareness. Families are encouraged to discuss common scams openly and share knowledge about safe financial practices, fostering resilience against financial exploitation.

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