Suva: Elderly Man’s ATM Card Swapped, Pension Funds Stolen — Suspect Arrested

Police in Suva have apprehended a suspect linked to the theft of an elderly man’s bank card and pension funds, following an incident that drew significant attention on social media. The arrest was made by the Central Division’s Criminal Investigations Department, with officers reportedly discovering the suspect in possession of items belonging to the victim.

Currently held at the Totogo Police Station, the suspect’s custody follows witness statements collected during the investigation. The incident captured public interest after a Good Samaritan revealed that she encountered the elderly man near a Westpac ATM outside MaxValue. The man appeared distressed and was checking his watch frequently.

The Samaritan, identified as Veniana Dau, recounted how the elderly individual disclosed that he had handed his ATM card to a stranger who offered to assist him with withdrawing money. The stranger returned with only $20, claiming it was all that was left in the man’s account, but the card returned was not the victim’s original card.

Another woman who intervened to help attempted to access the transaction history, but was unable to do so due to a failed PIN entry, leading Dau to suspect that a card swap had occurred. “The person had taken his ATM card and swapped it with another one — stealing this elderly man’s pension money,” Dau expressed, calling the event tragic and highlighting the need for greater protection of vulnerable individuals.

In response to the incident, police officials are reminding the public, particularly older citizens, to refrain from handing their bank cards to strangers or sharing their PIN numbers. They emphasize the importance of seeking help only from trusted sources, such as family members, bank personnel, or law enforcement.

This case underscores the ongoing issue of elder vulnerability in financial matters and the need for community vigilance. It serves as a poignant reminder for society to protect its elders rather than exploit them, fostering a culture of care and attention towards the elderly population.