Five individuals accused of defrauding people through online scams totalling more than $1,700 are due to appear in a magistrate court in Lautoka today.
The accused allegedly used Facebook to advertise goods that were never delivered. Among those facing charges is a 20-year-old from Lautoka who purportedly offered 12 bags of chicken to two different buyers.
In the first case, the accused is said to have received $327 on March 4, 2023, from a victim who paid for six bags of chicken advertised on Facebook. According to police, the accused withdrew the funds and did not provide the goods. Later in the same month, the 20-year-old, along with a 50-year-old man, is alleged to have collected $820 from another individual under similar pretences, only to withdraw the money without delivering the items.
In a separate case, a 32-year-old woman from Tavakubu allegedly misused $200 for her MasterCard, obtained through dishonest means. Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man is accused of taking $200 from a customer for an item advertised on Facebook and then cutting off communication with the victim. A 33-year-old man is alleged to have taken a $190 deposit for timber advertised online but failed to deliver the goods.
The Fiji Police Force has issued a warning to online shoppers, advising them to verify all transactions and, when possible, inspect items in person before making payments.
“If the goods are in another location, ask a friend or relative to check them for you. Verify the legitimacy of sales agents by contacting the company directly, as some may falsely represent themselves as offering discounted bulk goods.
“Performing thorough checks before transferring money is essential to avoid falling victim to online scams.”
