Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued an important advisory to parents and guardians to stay vigilant while withdrawing government-funded back-to-school financial assistance, amounting to $200. He strongly recommends that adults take full responsibility for these financial transactions and not allow children to manage them, as opportunistic fraudsters could take advantage of this busy period.

“You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” Mr. Chew cautioned. This warning comes as many families interact with outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and various online platforms to access their funds.

Chew highlighted the increasing risks associated with online transactions, stressing the need to be particularly cautious when sharing sensitive information, such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Recovering stolen funds can often be a lengthy and complicated process entailing law enforcement involvement and other formal procedures. He emphasized that feeling frustrated often leads individuals to seek police assistance, however, reclaiming lost money is not always straightforward.

The Commissioner’s warnings align with ongoing alerts from the Fiji Police regarding the rise in scams targeting families, especially during financially sensitive periods like back-to-school. Scammers frequently exploit digital communication platforms such as text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook to lure individuals into revealing personal information or transferring money under false pretenses.

To address these issues, the police are promoting a culture of awareness and encouraging families to engage in discussions about potential scams and safe financial practices. By fostering collective vigilance, the goal is to create a supportive community environment that not only protects individuals but also enhances resilience against financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory serves as a crucial reminder for families to act responsibly while managing their finances. By implementing cautious financial behaviors and nurturing open communication, families can navigate the challenging landscape of online transactions more securely. This proactive approach ensures a safer environment where everyone can thrive without the fear of becoming a victim of scams.