Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, is urging the public to be cautious of scams like the Paragonix scam, which has misused the names and images of notable Fijians to promote fraudulent activities.
As Scam Awareness Week comes to an end, Seruiratu emphasized the importance of remaining alert against the increasing threat of scams, which can cause significant financial and emotional distress to individuals and families. He pointed out that despite the efforts of the Consumer Council and the Police Force, the number of scam incidents is on the rise, often going unreported, a situation worsened by issues like poverty, unemployment, and the complexities of the global digital landscape.
“A united effort from all sectors of society is critical to address this growing threat and safeguard citizens from exploitation. Even with ongoing initiatives by the Consumer Council and Police Force, the number of people falling victim to scams continues to increase,” he stated.
Seruiratu noted that the true scale of the problem is likely underreported, a common challenge in many developing countries grappling with global digitization. He explained that advancements in technology and greater interconnectedness provide scammers with opportunities to take advantage of vulnerable individuals, with additional stressors such as poverty and rising living costs aggravating the situation.
To protect themselves from scams, citizens should be aware of the associated risks and avoid the lure of quick financial gains. Seruiratu called for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders in the fight against this issue.
He provided alarming statistics, referencing that in Australia, scam losses in 2023 exceeded $2.7 billion, impacting over 600,000 individuals. “These figures highlight the serious nature of this issue and the immediate need for action,” he said.
Seruiratu also spotlighted the Paragonix Edge scam, which falsely used his name and image, alongside those of other prominent Fijians like Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai, Fred Wesley, and Shania Singh, to promote a fraudulent scheme. “I want to make it clear that I have no association with this company or system. Consumer education is crucial in tackling the scam issue, but a comprehensive approach involving the entire society is vital.”
He emphasized the need for collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, regulatory bodies, NGOs, civil society organizations, religious groups, the education sector, and the broader community. “Together, we can fight scams and protect our citizens from financial exploitation,” he concluded.