she believed she was earning money honestly

Today, even buying a car can lead to a scam. More and more Polynesians are attracted by advertisements for used vehicles at low prices. Except that these goods sometimes do not exist.

“By doing good business in reality we become either accused or victims of offences, following advertisements which promise either products or services or often remuneration,” warns Tatiana Dauphin, chief of staff. of the territorial directorate of the national police”.

In a twist, this lady who we will call Taina, also says she participated in such a scam. A scam she never imagined: “A job offer, from a so-called company that asked us to receive the money. With this money we went to look for coupons that we sent by message. I received 10,000 Fcfp or even 20,000 per transaction. I had no idea what this money was for.”

After a few months, the police summoned her and told her that several complaints against her had been filed. “I was shocked of course… I thought I was doing honest work, but it turned out not at all,” Taina explains.

For her, the world collapses when she discovers that her job is not a job and that the money she sent is part of a larger network. She is waiting today to appear before the judge. In this story, the victims: potential buyers, discuss with the principal or sponsor. He recruited Polynesians via social networks who need to make ends meet.

Networks that operate remotely from countries like mainland France, or those in Africa

The sponsor says he wants to sell a vehicle. But at the time of payment, it is the intermediary who receives the money, then via PCS coupons that can be found at a tobacco merchant for example, the money is sent internationally or to France to sponsor. The customer never receives the good, the intermediary receives a commission and the sponsor pockets the fruit of his scam. “There is a direct impact in fact, since they can be considered as accomplices,” warns Maître Mestre, lawyer at the Papeete bar, provided that two elements are met, a material element, here money paid to the sponsor, and then a moral element, which is the fact of being aware that it is fraudulent.”

According to the consumer defense association “What to choose? »: these are networks led from Africa which set up these scams and use PCS coupons which are difficult to trace.

Before buying anything on social networks, find out, ask for as much information as possible and, if anything, ask to see it. There is a platform that informs about this type of scam on the web. Today we must redouble our vigilance.