Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has made a strong appeal to parents and guardians to enhance their vigilance as they withdraw the recently disbursed back-to-school assistance of $200 from the Government. He specifically warned against allowing children to handle these financial transactions, advocating that adults should take on full responsibility to safeguard the funds.

Chew highlighted the risks posed by opportunistic fraudsters, who may be looking to exploit this financially active period. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he said, underscoring the importance of caution when managing withdrawals, especially from outlets such as Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and online platforms.

The Acting Commissioner cautioned stakeholders to be particularly wary of sharing sensitive personal details, including Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords, as scams have grown increasingly sophisticated. Once funds are lost, recovering them can be a complicated and length-ridden process involving law enforcement.

This warning aligns with previous advisories from the Fiji Police regarding the surge in scams that often target parents during sensitive financial periods, particularly around the back-to-school season. The police encourage families to remain skeptical of unsolicited financial requests and be cautious while engaging with communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook, which scammers frequently exploit.

To combat these threats, authorities are promoting a culture of education and community awareness. They encourage families to openly discuss potential scams and share knowledge about safe financial practices to foster resilience against financial exploitation.

In summary, this advisory serves not only as a reminder for families to practice responsible financial behavior during this crucial back-to-school season but also emphasizes collective vigilance and cooperation to create a safer community. By taking proactive measures and remaining informed, families can navigate their financial dealings with greater security and peace of mind, paving the way for safer transactions moving forward.