Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued an important advisory to parents and guardians urging them to exercise heightened vigilance as they withdraw the government’s back-to-school financial assistance, amounting to $200. He strongly recommends that these transactions should not be entrusted to children, emphasizing that adults must handle all financial dealings to ensure the safety of funds.
Mr. Chew expressed concerns regarding the growing risk of fraud during this busy financial period, stating, “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money.” Families accessing funds from institutions like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, or online platforms need to be especially cautious, as opportunistic fraudsters may take advantage of this situation.
He highlighted the critical importance of being careful when engaging in online transactions, particularly regarding the sharing of sensitive information such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Recovering lost funds can prove to be complicated and lengthy, often requiring police and external agency involvement, which could leave families frustrated and without immediate resolution.
This advisory reinforces previous warnings from the Fiji Police about an increase in scams, particularly around this financially sensitive time. Scammers often exploit communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook to target parents with unsolicited financial requests, creating a narrative that families should be skeptical of offers that appear too good to be true.
To bolster community awareness, authorities are encouraging families to engage in open discussions about potential scams and promote safe financial practices. This proactive approach not only aims to protect individual families but also fosters a supportive environment that enhances collective resilience against financial exploitation.
In summary, the advisory serves as a crucial reminder for families to remain alert and informed during this important financial season. By adopting cautious financial behaviors, families can navigate transactions more securely and contribute to a safer community atmosphere. This collective effort towards awareness and vigilance will empower families to thrive without the fear of becoming victims of scams.
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