Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, has issued a warning to the public regarding scams, specifically mentioning the Paragonix scam that has misused the names and images of notable Fijians to promote deceptive schemes.
As Scam Awareness Week draws to a close, Seruiratu urges Fijians to stay alert against the widespread issue of scams that can cause significant financial and emotional distress for individuals and families.
He expressed concern that despite the ongoing efforts of the Consumer Council and Police Force, incidents of scams are increasing, with many cases going unreported. This issue is heightened by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and the challenges posed by global digitalization.
Seruiratu emphasized the need for a united response from all sectors of society to effectively tackle this growing problem and safeguard citizens from exploitation. “Unfortunately, the true scale of the issue is likely underreported, similar to challenges faced by many developing nations in dealing with the complexities of global digitization,” he remarked.
He pointed out that technological advancements and greater connectivity provide opportunities for scammers, and issues like poverty and the rising cost of living only worsen the situation. To prevent becoming victims of scams, citizens should be mindful of the associated risks and resist the allure of quick gains.
Referencing the alarming statistics from Australia, Seruiratu noted that losses to scams in 2023 exceeded $2.7 billion, impacting more than 600,000 individuals. He reiterated the serious nature of the problem and the pressing need for decisive action.
Specifically addressing the Paragonix Edge scam, he revealed that his name and those of other well-known Fijians such as Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai, Fred Wesley, and Shania Singh have been wrongfully used in its promotion. “I want to clarify that I have no affiliation with this company or its operations,” he stated.
Highlighting the importance of consumer education in combating scams, Seruiratu called for a comprehensive societal approach that includes the collaboration of government entities, law enforcement, regulators, non-governmental organizations, civil society, religious groups, the education system, and the community overall. “Together, we can work to combat scams and protect our citizens from financial exploitation,” he concluded.