A new report has revealed that nearly 50% of Fijians have fallen victim to scams, marking a significant concern for the nation. The 2024 State of Scams in Fiji report, produced by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), surveyed 133 participants and identified growing threats amidst emerging opportunities to combat fraudulent activities in Fiji.
The report highlights that while 66% of respondents express confidence in identifying scams—slightly below the global average—more than half reported encountering scams at least once a month, outpacing global trends. Additionally, those who experience scam victimization face a higher likelihood of being targeted again within a year.
Consistent with global patterns, common schemes in Fiji include shopping, identity theft, and investment scams, which collectively account for 69% of all scams encountered worldwide. This trend reflects similar concerns raised during the inaugural National Scam Awareness Week, where officials emphasized the need for vigilance against various fraudulent methods such as impersonation schemes and online scams fueled by social media misinformation.
Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has pointed out that over 1,700 scam-related complaints have been logged since 2019, leading to reported losses exceeding $3 million, particularly from eBay-related scams. The government has responded to this escalating issue by launching the Anti-Scam Taskforce, designed to enhance coordination among various agencies, promote awareness, and develop strategies to mitigate the impact of scams on the populace.
Moreover, despite broad educational initiatives, public engagement remains low until individuals personally encounter scams, prompting increased calls for assistance. With global online fraud rates increasing, the coordinated efforts of the taskforce aim to create a more informed and resilient society against these threats.
This report serves as a grim reminder of the fraud landscape in Fiji, yet it also presents a hopeful message: through awareness and community engagement, there’s potential for significant progress in combating scams and protecting the public.
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