Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has issued a crucial warning urging parents and guardians to exercise heightened vigilance while withdrawing the recently disbursed $200 back-to-school financial assistance from the Government. As families are expected to be actively accessing these funds from various outlets, including Vodafone Fiji Limited and M-PAiSA agents, the Commissioner emphasizes that adults should take full responsibility for these transactions rather than permitting children to handle them.

With increased activity during this busy financial period, Mr. Chew highlighted the risk posed by opportunistic fraudsters who may seek to exploit unsuspecting individuals. “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money,” he cautioned. This advisory comes as scams targeting parents become more prevalent, especially using popular communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook, which are commonly exploited by fraudsters.

In addition to urging parents to manage transactions directly, Mr. Chew underscored the importance of being cautious with personal information, particularly during online transactions. Sharing sensitive details such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords can lead to significant financial losses. He explained that recovering lost funds often involves a complicated and lengthy process that can require law enforcement intervention.

To mitigate the threat of scams, the police are promoting a culture of awareness, urging families to openly discuss potential fraud tactics and share knowledge about safe financial practices. This collaborative approach not only empowers individual families to protect their finances but also fosters a supportive community environment where collective vigilance can deter opportunistic scammers.

In summary, this advisory serves as a vital reminder for families to remain alert and informed during this sensitive financial season. By adopting careful financial behaviors and fostering community discussions, parents and guardians can navigate the back-to-school period with greater security, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved. This proactive engagement will help build resilience against financial exploitation, ultimately aiming for a community where families can thrive without the fear of becoming victims of scams.