The Fiji Police’s M-PAiSA task force has arrested and charged two individuals for allegedly engaging in financial deception using the mobile money transfer platform.
The accused, a 29-year-old male and a 37-year-old female, reside in Davuilevu and Koronivia, respectively. They are thought to have worked together to defraud victims through a fraudulent rental car scheme. Reports indicate that on September 17, they created multiple fake Facebook accounts to advertise rental cars, instructing potential customers to make payments via the M-PAiSA app.
One victim from Nadi fell for the scam, sending $190 to the phone number provided. After attempting to contact the accused, he realized he had been scammed and promptly reported the incident to the Nadi Police Station.
As a result of their alleged actions, both individuals have been charged with one count each of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception and Dishonestly Dealing with Personal Financial Information. They are set to appear in court at the Nasinu Magistrates Court today.
This unfortunate incident highlights the continuing need for vigilance in online transactions, particularly as the popularity of mobile payment platforms rises. The swift action taken by the Fiji Police also showcases their commitment to protecting citizens from such deceitful activities, aiming to restore trust in digital payment methods.
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