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Money Transfer Scams Emerge in Tonga: Be Cautious Online, Warns Authorities

In a stark reminder to be vigilant online, authorities have alerted the public to a recent money transfer scam reported to the Tongan Police. The scheme aims to raise awareness and serve as a preventative measure on this Cyber Awareness Day.

The Scam

According to police reports, a local victim befriended an online scammer on Facebook/ Meta, who led them to believe they were in a romantic relationship after a month and two weeks of ongoing chats. The scammer then switched to WhatsApp, using the number +447488871744, which appears to be from the United Kingdom.

Under the guise of their supposed romantic relationship, the scammer promised the victim a fortune, convincing them that they would buy a house and car to celebrate their birthday. The next day, another WhatsApp number, +61433803023, allegedly from Australia, called the victim, directing them to send $2000 to pay for a package that had arrived at Fua’amotu airport.

The Victim’s Experience

The unsuspecting victim, who later became aware of the scam, made loans but fortunately was able to file a case with the police before losing more money. Authorities suspect that the scammer may have used stolen or fake identity and documents to carry out their fraudulent activities.

Staying Safe Online

To stay safe online, authorities urge citizens to:

• Be cautious when interacting online
• Minimize posting personal documents
• Avoid deals that seem too good to be true
• Seek help from reliable sources if someone asks for money

Getting Help

Police are available to assist in similar situations. Contact the Tonga Police Media & Public Relations Office on 740-1609 for further inquiries or assistance.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when interacting online. Stay vigilant and aware of potential scams!