Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew is urging parents and guardians to exercise heightened vigilance while withdrawing the recent $200 back-to-school financial assistance from the Government. He strongly advises against allowing children to manage these transactions, emphasizing that adults should take full responsibility to safeguard their funds.
Chew raised concerns about the potential risks posed by opportunistic fraudsters who may be looking to exploit this busy financial period. He stated, “You don’t know who is at the sidelines exploring the opportunity to steal information or money.” This warning is especially relevant as families visit outlets like Vodafone Fiji Limited, M-PAiSA agents, banks, and utilize online platforms to access this assistance.
In the context of rising online scams, he advised parents to be particularly cautious while sharing sensitive personal information such as Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords. “When money goes missing, recovery can be a frustrating and lengthy process that involves law enforcement and external agencies,” he noted. This sentiment has been echoed in previous warnings from the Fiji Police regarding the increased incidence of scams targeting parents during sensitive financial periods.
The police have highlighted the importance of skepticism toward unsolicited financial requests received through communication platforms like text messages, WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook. Many scams exploit digital platforms, tempting individuals into fraudulent transactions or revealing personal data.
In response to these dangers, authorities are promoting an environment of community awareness where families are encouraged to discuss scams openly and share knowledge about safe financial practices. This proactive approach not only protects individual family interests but also fosters a community spirit that enhances collective resilience against financial exploitation.
In summary, Acting Commissioner Chew’s advisory serves as a timely reminder for families to remain alert and informed as they manage their finances during this important season. By adopting cautious financial behaviors and fostering community cooperation, families can navigate the back-to-school season more securely, ensuring a safer environment for everyone. This collective vigilance not only protects individuals but contributes to a supportive community where families can thrive without fear of scams.
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