Scammers are continuously adapting their methods to align with global trends, according to Shaheen Ali, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications. He made this statement at the launch of the first-ever National Scam Awareness Week.
Mr. Ali emphasized the importance of recognizing scams in today’s fast-paced digital environment, calling them an unfortunate reality in daily life. He outlined various scams currently affecting Fiji, such as impersonation schemes, fraudulent job offers, and romance scams, which are often amplified by misleading information on social media platforms.
The National Scam Awareness Week serves as a crucial opportunity to educate not only young adults but also future generations about identifying and protecting themselves against scams. To reach a wider audience, the campaign will utilize multiple media platforms, including billboards and social media.
Seema Shandil, the CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji, highlighted the low engagement from consumers during outreach efforts. She pointed out that interest in their services tends to spike only after individuals have been scammed.
“Even with our many alerts regarding potential scams and guidance on identifying scammers, a significant number of consumers remain indifferent,” Ms. Shandil remarked. She noted that despite extensive awareness campaigns both online and at the community level, many individuals fail to heed the advice provided.
This lack of vigilance often results in individuals seeking assistance only after they have become victims of scams. Last year, a notorious eBay Online Shop recruitment scam affected 900 Fijians, with the council recording $1.7 million in complaints.
“The impact of these scams marks just the start of the issue,” Ms. Shandil stated.
On a global scale, online fraud has surged, with phishing emails and other deceptive schemes targeting individuals and businesses alike. The Anti-Scam Taskforce has been established to improve collaboration among various agencies, raise awareness, and advocate for protective measures through initiatives like Scam Awareness Week. The taskforce aims to enhance public education and carry out joint campaigns while pushing for stricter regulations and laws against scams.