Fiji’s financial watchdog and law enforcement agencies are stepping up warnings as online investment scams grow more sophisticated, with a deepfake video allegedly featuring Reserve Bank of Fiji Governor Ariff Ali circulating online for weeks and promising extraordinary returns.
The Governor has sounded the alarm, noting that the deepfake video uses his likeness to push an obviously fraudulent investment opportunity. Authorities say these scams are part of a broader pattern of AI-generated impersonations aimed at exploiting public trust. In another troubling case this year, nearly 30 million dollars were deposited into fraudulent accounts tied to an e-commerce–style scam, underscoring the scale and risk of these schemes.
Ali reiterated bluntly that such promises are inaccurate, reminding the public that legitimate market returns hover around 3.5 percent and that “nobody gives thousands of percent returns.” He urged people to be extra cautious, to verify any investment opportunity through official channels, and to avoid sharing personal or banking information online. He also called for immediate reporting of suspicious activity to authorities.
The Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF) has consistently warned that it does not operate investment platforms or engage in automatic trading. The bank is cooperating with ongoing efforts to remove misleading content circulating online and to counter impersonation attempts that misuse its branding and officials’ likenesses. In related reporting, police and cybercrime authorities say they are monitoring the situation, with some cases prompting formal investigations and ongoing collaboration with media outlets to counter misinformation.
This incident sits within a broader national and regional trend of scams that impersonate public figures or trusted brands. Recent warnings have highlighted AI-driven videos that misrepresent government bodies and media outlets, and advisories stress the importance of verifying information before acting on online investment opportunities. Consumer protection agencies have also flagged social media platforms like TikTok as a vehicle for such schemes, including pyramid-like programs that promise quick riches.
Public awareness efforts are ongoing. The Anti-Scam Taskforce has highlighted cases where online posts and profiles imitate high‑profile figures to lure victims, while the Consumer Council of Fiji and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission emphasize verifying credentials, avoiding upfront payments, and using official channels for information and complaints. Authorities have also reiterated practical steps: do not send money or share financial or personal information, verify sources, and report suspicious content to the National Consumer Helpline or official channels.
What to do if you encounter a suspicious post or offer:
– Do not send money or share personal or banking information.
– Verify the source through official channels and check the credentials of anyone offering services or investment opportunities.
– Report suspicious activity to the National Consumer Helpline at 155 or via complaints@consumersfiji.org.
– Look for red flags such as upfront payments, guaranteed high returns, or pressure to act quickly.
Commentary and outlook:
The convergence of AI tooling and online scams means scammers can create highly convincing impersonations that exploit public figures and trusted brands. The collaborative response—tightening enforcement, rapid content removal, and sustained public education—offers a hopeful path toward safer online financial activity. Readers are urged to stay informed through official statements from the Reserve Bank of Fiji and other credible institutions, and to rely on verified sources before making any investment decisions.
Summary:
A deepfake video allegedly featuring Governor Ariff Ali has amplified warnings about online investment scams in Fiji, alongside earlier high-volume fraud cases and a broader pattern of impersonation and AI-driven deception. Authorities urge verification of opportunities, cautious handling of personal information, and prompt reporting of suspicious activity to curb these schemes. Ongoing cross-agency efforts and public vigilance are key to strengthening defenses against fraud.
Additional context notes for editors:
– Consider linking this story with related alerts about visa-consultant fraud and AI/deepfake-related scams to give readers a fuller view of the scam landscape.
– A brief sidebar with practical online-safety steps could boost reader engagement and safety.
– A hopeful angle: continued collaboration among government, consumer groups, and media can reduce risk and protect consumers’ money.
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