Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew is urging parents and guardians to exercise heightened vigilance as they withdraw back-to-school financial assistance. With many families accessing the government’s provided $200 support, Mr. Chew is advising against allowing children to handle these transactions from outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, or online platforms.

“You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he cautioned, stressing the importance of parents taking full responsibility for these withdrawals. This warning comes amidst a backdrop of rising fraud, particularly during this financially sensitive period when many families are active in withdrawals.

Mr. Chew highlighted the risks associated with online transactions, where scams have become increasingly common. He emphasized the need to be cautious when sharing personal identifiers such as PINs and passwords, as recovering lost funds can be complicated and time-consuming, owing to the processes needed involving law enforcement and external agencies.

The Fiji Police Force has previously issued similar advisories, highlighting the infiltration of scams through messaging platforms such as text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook. Parents have been reminded to be particularly skeptical of unsolicited requests for money, especially those promising quick financial benefits.

Promoting a culture of awareness is integral to these warnings; authorities encourage families to openly discuss potential scams and share knowledge on financial safety. Cultivating this proactive approach not only protects individual families but fosters a supportive community where awareness can mitigate the threat of financial exploitation.

Overall, this advisory serves as a crucial reminder for families to remain alert and informed. By embracing cautious financial practices, individuals can navigate the challenges of managing their funds safely and enhance community resilience against scams. This approach not only safeguards individual interests but supports the greater goal of a secure environment where families can thrive without the fear of being victimized.