MILLIONS of dollars are expected to be transacted via Vodafone Fiji’s M-PAiSA online wallet platform as the Government confirmed its back-to-school payout assistance and this has prompted the company to urge parents to stay vigilant as scammers are bound to be on the prowl.
“With millions of dollars expected to be processed through the M-PAiSA platform, scammers may attempt to exploit the situation by targeting unsuspecting parents with enticing but fraudulent offers,” Vodafone Fiji said in a statement issued yesterday.
“To minimise the risk of falling victim to scams, Vodafone is encouraging recipients to keep the Back-to-School funds in their M-PAiSA wallets and utilise cashless payments options such as M-PAiSA QR rather than withdrawing funds and carrying large amounts of cash.”
M-PAiSA payment, it added, is available at over 3500 merchants nationwide, including major stationery outlets and those offering school uniforms, shoes, and bags and other school amenities.
“This eliminates the risk of theft associated with carrying cash. Beneficiaries are also reminded to be aware of suspicious online deals especially those from unfamiliar businesses on platforms like Facebook.
“If a deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is.”
Vodafone Fiji also cautioned parents not to send money to any advertised business or personal number “unless you are absolutely sure of their existence and identity.”
More importantly, M-PAiSA users are cautioned not to disclose their PIN, OTP code or share their mobile devices with third parties who may use the opportunity to access the account.
“By exercising caution and utilising secure payment methods like M-PAiSA QR, parents can ensure their Back-to-School funds are used responsibly and that their children’s education is not compromised by fraudulent activities.”
The Government had allocated $40million in its 2024-2025 National Budget for the provision of the back-to-school support of $200 a child for families with a household annual income of less than $50,000.
This was expected to benefit over 200,000 students. The first payout for 2025 will begin on January 15.
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated January 09, 2025.
