30-year-old charged for online scam

A 30-year-old salesman from Labasa has been arrested and charged by the Fiji Police Force Cybercrime Unit for obtaining financial advantage.

Police allege that in March last year, the accused dishonestly obtained $380 from a 24-year-old software engineer from Pacific Harbour through a bank withdrawal.

Investigations revealed that the victim received a message from a social media profile using her uncle’s name, requesting that she transfer $380. Believing it was her uncle, she sent the money to a bank account later found to be registered under the accused’s name.

Police say the funds were immediately withdrawn after the transfer.

The accused remains in custody and is expected to appear at the Labasa Magistrates Court today.