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 benefits unlawfully. The incident occurred on September 8 of the previous year, when the accused reportedly acquired $100 from a victim through the M-Paisa service.
According to police investigations, the victim found a post on Facebook regarding a car hire service and was instructed to pay a deposit to secure a reservation. However, after transferring the money, the victim was unable to reach the taxi driver by phone, leading to suspicions of fraud.
Following the incident, the victim reported the matter to the Consumer Council, which subsequently referred it to the Criminal Investigation Department at the Fiji Police Force Headquarters in Toorak.
The accused is presently in police custody and is expected to appear in Nasinu Magistrate Court today.
This incident highlights the importance of being cautious while engaging in online transactions and confirms the diligent efforts of local authorities in addressing fraudulent activities. On a hopeful note, efforts to combat such scams could lead to increased awareness and education on safe online practices, ultimately protecting consumers from potential exploitation.
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