FRAUD offences in excess of $5.3 million pa'anga were reported to the Tonga Police in the first six months of the year, Police Commander Chris Kelley said today.

In 2009 the police had 98 fraud cases for the whole year, while in 2008 they had 100 cases.

"I think those figures are trending towards a 20 percent rise in reported fraud for the whole year," he said.

This year to date 72 cases of fraud, such as embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretenses, forgery and falsification of accounts had been reported and were under investigation by police. He said the Serious Crimes Unit was also handling a further 10 cases involving large amounts of money totalling in excess of $5.3 million pa'anga.

"We are also looking at 20 financial transaction reports, which warrant examination because of questionable business procedures involved," he said.

He said there was some evidence of such things as favours for friends and relatives, an inability to meet loan obligations, or over commitment in another area leading to temptation. At the same time, recent investigations showed that a number of cases were planned systematic deceptions.

In addition, police had received reports of computer and mobile phone scams originating from countries such as Nigeria.

"I am not able to comment on individual cases in detail but we have made a number of arrests and expect to make more throughout the year," he said.

Dishonesty

Commander Kelly stressed that Tonga Police have investigators in accountancy and law but the volume of cases placed a heavy burden on those specialist resources.

He said the number of cases continued to rise, and while most were just plain dishonesty committed for personal gain, greed and often exploiting gaps in business practices.

He said that the press release was part of a police commitment to keep the public informed, to issue a general warning about fraudsters and scammers.

"Be wary of the get rich quick schemes, be wary of high interest return claims and don't enter into business transactions over the internet and mobile phone with people you don't know," he warned the public.

He reassured the public that while they are busy with fraud investigations the police would take complaints and investigate them.