A 30-year-old man has been charged with five counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception, a crime involving fraudulent activities through online rental car advertisements. The incidents, which occurred between 2022 and 2024, have allegedly defrauded victims of over $1,500.
Authorities report that the accused collected deposits from unsuspecting individuals via mobile money transfers under the pretense of offering rental car services. Once the payments were made, he ceased all communication with the victims, leaving them without the advertised services.
This case has drawn the attention of law enforcement, with four reports being filed at the Lami Police Station and one at Border Police in Nadi. As part of their ongoing investigations, the police anticipate more insights into the full extent of the accused’s fraudulent activities.
The man is scheduled to appear in the Nadi Magistrates Court, where he will face formal charges and legal proceedings. This case highlights a recurring issue of online scams in Fiji, particularly involving rental services. In previous similar instances, individuals were deceived through fake advertisements on platforms such as Facebook, leading to financial losses for several victims.
These incidents underline the necessity for consumers to exercise vigilance when engaging with online advertisements, especially those involving financial transactions. With the rise in digital fraud, law enforcement agencies are taking proactive steps to address these crimes, signaling a commitment to safeguarding the public from deceptive practices.
As the investigation progresses, the importance of consumer awareness and due diligence becomes ever more critical to prevent falling victim to such scams. The efforts by the Fiji Police also reflect a broader initiative to combat online fraud and foster a more secure environment for digital interactions.