17 Aug 2011

Tongan internet scam warning

2:55 pm on 17 August 2011

The Tongan Police have warned the public of an internet scam that could potentially rob a person of more than 1,300 US dollars.

The Deputy Police Commander, Taniela Faletau, says the police uncovered the scam when one of its officers received a suspicious email.

"The internet scam involves emails to various Tongan persons notifying them that they have been selected by US authorities to be given permanent resident visas in the US. And part of the processing fees - approximately 800-pounds-sterling - was to be deposited to a firm in London."

The Tongan Police have contacted the US Embassy in Fiji, which confirmed that the emails are fraudulent.

Mr Faletau says no one has been caught out by the scam as yet.

He says anyone who receives an email like the one described should contact police immediately.