Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued a crucial advisory to parents and guardians, urging them to maintain vigilance during the withdrawal of the government-funded back-to-school financial assistance of $200. With many families preparing to access these funds, Chew strongly advises against allowing children to manage these transactions, highlighting that adults must take full responsibility to safeguard the funds.

In his statement, Mr. Chew cautioned, “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money.” This warning comes amidst a backdrop of rising scams targeting families, particularly during this financially busy period when many individuals are interacting with outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and various online platforms.

The Commissioner emphasized the importance of caution with online transactions, particularly when it comes to sharing sensitive personal information such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. Chew noted that recovering funds lost to scams can be complicated and time-consuming, often requiring law enforcement involvement and extensive procedures, which can lead to frustration for those affected.

This advisory echoes previous alerts from the Fiji Police regarding the growing incidence of scams exploiting the financial vulnerabilities of parents during sensitive periods such as the back-to-school season. Authorities have pointed to the frequent use of digital communication channels—like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook—by scammers to solicit personal information or money under false pretenses.

To combat these threats, police are promoting a culture of awareness and community vigilance. Families are encouraged to discuss common scams openly and share knowledge about safe financial practices. By fostering this proactive approach, the aim is to enhance community resilience against financial exploitation.

In summary, the advisory serves as a timely reminder for families to remain alert and informed while managing their finances during this critical season. With collective vigilance and cautious financial behavior, families can navigate this landscape more securely, fostering a community environment that strives for safety and resilience against scams. This effort not only protects individual interests but also cultivates a supportive atmosphere where families can thrive without the fear of being victimized.