Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued a critical reminder urging parents and guardians to show heightened vigilance as they navigate the withdrawal of back-to-school financial assistance. With many families looking to access the government-provided $200 aid, Chew strongly advises against allowing children to undertake these transactions, stressing that adults should be responsible for handling these funds instead.
Mr. Chew highlighted the potential risks from fraudsters who could take advantage of the busy financial period, making the situation ripe for scams. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he said. This advisory is particularly pertinent as families are visiting outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and utilizing online services to access their assistance funds.
The Commissioner further emphasized the importance of carefulness with personal information, especially when conducting online transactions. He cautioned against sharing Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords, noting that if money is lost, recovery can be a frustrating and protracted process that may require police involvement and complex procedures.
This advisory aligns with earlier warnings from the Fiji Police concerning the increased prevalence of scams targeting parents during the financially sensitive back-to-school season. Previous alerts have advised skepticism towards unsolicited requests for money received via digital communication platforms like text messages, Viber, WhatsApp, and Facebook.
In response to these threats, the police are promoting a culture of awareness, urging families to discuss and share knowledge of common scams. This proactive approach encourages community resilience against financial exploitation, helping to safeguard family finances during this vulnerable time.
In summary, this initiative is not just about protecting individual families but about fostering a supportive environment where collective vigilance can significantly deter potential fraudsters. By making informed decisions and practicing responsible financial management, families can navigate the back-to-school season with greater confidence and security, ensuring a safer community for all.
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