The Ministry of Police has issued a stern warning to the public to be vigilant following a fraudulent scam that successfully targeted two local churches to the tune of $200,000. 

Acting Assistant Police Commissioner, Sala’a Moananu Sala’a told the Sunday Samoan, a man who goes by the names of Jeremy Bulu or Michael Toki, allegedly stole the money from two local Pentecostal churches. 

He said professional scammers will do and say anything to “milk money from people.” 

He said this case is currently being investigated by the local Police and the Transnational Crime Unit investigation. 

According to Sala’a the man claimed he was from New Caledonia. He further noted the incident came to light when the church leaders lodged a complaint with the Police. 

“This man met with the leaders of the two Samoan Pentecostal churches, and convinced them the money would be for a community assistance programme for the low income families. 

“The church leaders were informed the payment was for the registration process for the programme. 

“However when he came back asking for more money, that’s when the church leaders started to realize this was a scam. After that, when they could not locate the alleged scammer, the church leaders lodged their criminal complaint with police,” explained Sala’a. 

The Assistant Police Commissioner told the Sunday Samoan, that an immigration manifest shows the accused had since left Samoa. 

“The Police are now working together with the Transnational Crime Unit investigating this matter,” said Sala’a. 

Sala’a reiterated the need for members of the public to think things thorough carefully before giving out money to a total stranger. R

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