A 52-year-old taxi driver from Nakasi has been charged by the Fiji Police Force’s M-Paisa Taskforce Team for allegedly obtaining financial advantage. The incident reportedly took place on September 8 of last year when the accused is said to have dishonestly acquired $100 from a victim using the M-Paisa mobile payment service.
According to police investigations, the victim was browsing Facebook when they encountered a post advertising car hire services. The post instructed them to pay a deposit to reserve a vehicle. After transferring the money, the victim attempted to reach the driver but was unable to make contact.
Following this, the matter was reported to the Consumer Council, which subsequently referred it to the Fiji Police Force’s Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters in Toorak. The accused remains in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court at the Nasinu Magistrate Court today.
This situation serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying online transactions and being cautious when dealing with strangers in financial transactions. Additionally, it showcases the proactive role of consumer protection agencies and law enforcement in addressing and investigating potential fraud cases. There remains hope that this incident will raise awareness among the public regarding online scams and safeguard consumers in the future.
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