Man charge for alleged scam

The Fiji Police MPaisa Task Force has charged a 43-year-old man from Saweni, Lautoka for two cases of allegedly Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception via the mobile money transfer app.

In the first case, the victim had contacted the accused on a number purporting to be a contact for a person dealing with goods being sold as part of a clearance sale.

Following a phone conversation, the victim sent $360 to the accused during the month of September 2023, to secure the goods.

After receiving the transfer, the accused withdrew the money and used it. The victim after realizing something was not right, lodged a report at the Nausori Police Station.

In the second case, the accused allegedly dishonestly obtained $200 from a member of the public after advising him that he was calling from a supermarket that was holding a clearance sale.

The accused asked for a deposit for the selected goods, which was facilitated by the victim. After receiving the money, the accused switched off his phone.

The matter was reported at the Rakiraki Police Station. He has been charged with two counts of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception for the two cases and will be produced at the Lautoka Magistrates Court today.

Members of the public are advised to be wary of those selling goods, or any form of transaction request, made online or over the phone, especially if they claim to be representing a retail or wholesale outlet.

Most do not conduct their businesses in this manner, and it is always advisable to cross check with the company before the exchange of money is facilitated.