Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew is urging parents and guardians to exercise heightened vigilance as they navigate the withdrawal of the recently disbursed $200 back-to-school assistance from the Government. He strongly advises against allowing children to manage these withdrawals, emphasizing the need for adults to personally handle all financial transactions.

Mr. Chew highlighted the threats posed by potential fraudsters who may be opportunistically seeking to exploit this busy time for families, stating, “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money.” This advisory comes amid rising concerns about scams targeting parents during the financially sensitive back-to-school period.

In line with the growing trend of online and digital fraud, authorities have reiterated the importance of being cautious with personal information. They particularly warn against sharing Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords, as once funds are lost, recovery is often a lengthy process involving law enforcement and other agencies.

The Fiji Police Force has previously issued warnings regarding the vulnerability to scams during this season, with an emphasis on avoiding unsolicited requests for money through popular communication platforms such as text messages, Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook. Engaging with deceptive schemes that promise quick wealth can further complicate financial matters for families.

This ongoing community initiative aims to build a culture of awareness and cooperation, encouraging families to discuss and share knowledge about common scams. By fostering an environment where individuals can protect one another, the police hope to cultivate resilience against financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory not only serves as a crucial reminder for parents to practice responsible spending but also promotes a united effort to safeguard family finances. With informed decisions and collective awareness, families can navigate this back-to-school season with greater security and peace of mind. The overarching goal is to ensure the community remains vigilant and resilient, making it more difficult for fraudsters to thrive.