28-year old woman of Tuatua in Labasa was arrested and charged by the Fiji Police M-Paisa Task force, for allegedly dishonestly obtaining money from a member of the public through the mobile money transfer app.

Police say the accused is alleged to have on the 12th day of October 2023, hacked a viber account belonging to the victim’s friend, and asked for $230.

The victim who resides in Lautoka sent the money and only discovered he was scammed, after enquiring with his friend if he had received the money.

Police adds that the accused was charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception and will be appearing at the Labasa Magistrates Court today.

In a separate case, a 28-year-old man residing in Davuilevu, Nausori, has also been charged with one count of Obtaining Financial Advantage by Deception for allegedly dishonestly obtaining $500 from a member of the public.

The accused had posted a fake car rental service advertisement on Facebook, whereby the victim sent $500 to rent a car.

After receiving the money through Mpaisa, the accused allegedly switched off his mobile phone.

The accused will be produced at the Nausori Magistrates Court today.