The Fiji Police Force has issued a warning to the public about a scam involving a mobile number impersonating the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu. The fraudulent scheme involves messages sent via the mobile number 836 9719 on Viber, falsely claiming to come from the Police Commissioner and soliciting sponsorship for various small projects.
The police have confirmed that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is actively investigating the scam. The messages have been classified as fraudulent, and authorities are urging recipients to report any such communications immediately. Speaking on the matter, the police stressed, “This is a scam,” and advised the public to be cautious, emphasizing the importance of not sharing personal or financial information through messaging platforms. They especially warned against communications from individuals who claim to represent officials either from the public sector or private sector without verification.
This latest incident aligns with a broader trend of impersonation scams in Fiji. Similar scams have previously targeted mobile phone users, with reports of fraudsters posing as cybercrime police officers or offering job opportunities and free cash through platforms like Viber. These schemes are often designed to extract personal information under false pretenses. The Fiji Online Safety Commission has emphasized the importance of vigilance in dealing with unsolicited communications, especially those offering benefits that seem too good to be true.
In the past, other cases have involved scammers exploiting digital communication platforms to extract money from victims by gaining unauthorized access to their Viber accounts. These scams have sometimes led to legal charges being pressed against perpetrators, including impersonation of police officers and obtaining financial advantage through deception.
As digital communication continues to evolve, so too do the tactics employed by scammers. Both the police and safety commissions are urging the public to enhance their security measures online, such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Maintaining vigilance and educating oneself about common scam tactics can greatly reduce the risks posed by these fraudulent activities.
The community is encouraged to share information about scams and to remain cautious when approached with suspicious communication. Through collective awareness and heightened security measures, individuals can protect themselves against these criminal activities, contributing to a safer and more secure digital environment in Fiji.