Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew is urging parents and guardians to exercise caution as they withdraw the recent $200 back-to-school financial assistance provided by the government. He emphasizes that adults should take full responsibility for these transactions and warns against allowing children to manage them due to the increased risk of scams during this financially sensitive period.

Chew highlighted potential threats from fraudsters who may exploit the hustle and bustle associated with back-to-school preparations. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he cautioned, underlining the necessity for parents to stay vigilant while interacting with various outlets, including Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online platforms.

In light of the growing prevalence of online scams, the Commissioner stressed the importance of being careful when sharing sensitive personal information such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. He noted that recovering lost funds can be a frustrating and lengthy process, often requiring the involvement of law enforcement.

This advisory is in line with previous alerts issued by the Fiji Police concerning the rise in scams targeting families during such financially sensitive times. Parents are encouraged to be skeptical of unsolicited financial requests that may come through digital communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook.

To further combat these threats, authorities are advocating for a culture of community awareness, urging families to discuss and educate themselves about common scams and safe financial practices. By fostering a proactive environment, the aim is to enhance collective resilience against financial exploitation.

In summary, this latest advisory serves as a vital reminder for families to remain informed and vigilant while managing their finances during this crucial season. By adopting cautious financial behaviors and engaging in open discussions about safety, families can navigate the back-to-school landscape with greater security, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more supportive community that can thrive without the fear of scams.