Woman charged with allegedly obtaining $560 through deception

A 43-year-old woman from Saweni, Lautoka has been charged with allegedly obtaining $560 financial advantage by deception via the mobile money transfer app.

Police say following a phone conversation, the victim sent $360 to the accused in September 2023, to secure the goods.

The Fiji Police M-PAiSA Task Force says 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.

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

They say in the second case, the woman 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.

Police say the woman asked for a deposit for the selected goods, which was facilitated by the victim and after the accused received the money, he switched off his phone.

The matter was reported at the Rakiraki Police Station.

Police say she has been charged with two counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception for the two cases and will appear in 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.

They say 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.