Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued a crucial warning to parents and guardians concerning the withdrawal of the $200 back-to-school financial assistance provided by the Government. As many families prepare to access these funds, Mr. Chew strongly advises against allowing children to handle these transactions, emphasizing that adults must take personal responsibility to safeguard the funds.

Mr. Chew highlighted the significant risks posed by fraudsters during this busy financial period, stating, “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money.” With a surge in financial activities, parents are urged to remain vigilant when withdrawing their assistance from outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and various online platforms.

Furthermore, the Commissioner pointed out the critical necessity of being cautious with personal information, especially when engaging in online transactions. Sharing sensitive details such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords can expose individuals to scams, leading to complicated and lengthy recovery processes should funds be lost. This advisory aligns closely with previous alerts from the Fiji Police, which have noted an increase in scams that particularly target parents during financially sensitive times.

Authorities have also cautioned families to be skeptical of unsolicited financial requests that might be received through digital communication channels such as text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook. These platforms are often exploited by scammers to deceive individuals.

To combat these threats, police are promoting community awareness, encouraging families to have discussions about common scams and safe financial practices. This collective vigilance not only protects individual families but also fosters a supportive community resistant to financial exploitation.

In summary, Mr. Chew’s advisory serves as a timely reminder for families to remain alert and informed while managing their finances during this critical back-to-school season. By adopting cautious financial behaviors and fostering open discussion within their communities, families can navigate this financial landscape more securely. This proactive approach will empower them, creating a safer environment where everyone can thrive without fear of becoming victims of scams.