The Consumer Council of Fiji has issued an urgent warning about a sophisticated online scam that uses the name, image, and videos of Board Chair Mereseini Baleilevuka to push fake investment schemes promising massive returns. Fraudsters have created counterfeit social media posts and profiles that appear to endorse these get-rich-quick offers, exploiting the public’s trust in a high-profile figure. Baleilevuka has made it clear she has no connection to these schemes and alerted the Council to the fraud, actively countering it with live videos and direct public warnings from her own channels.
In a statement, Baleilevuka urged the public not to be fooled: “Do not be fooled by these criminals using my name and face. I would never endorse such a scheme. Please be vigilant, protect your hard-earned money, and report these posts immediately.” Council chief executive Seema Shandil described the fraud as “an alarming new low,” calling it a ruthless attempt to steal from ordinary Fijians by abusing a trusted name. “Remember if an online offer promising fast money seems too good to be true, it absolutely is,” she added.
Consumers are being urged never to send money or share personal or banking details in response to online ads or posts. Anyone considering an online investment should be highly skeptical of any guarantee of high returns with little effort.
Broader context from consumer protection agencies shows this is part of a rising trend in impersonation and online fraud. Recent warnings have highlighted scammers who misuse government logos to lend credibility to offers, including fake education programs and visa services. The Anti-Scam Taskforce has also flagged deceptive TikTok videos that promote pyramid-like schemes and recruitment-based models, sometimes linked to foreign networks seeking to exploit financial anxieties in Fiji. Experts emphasize that genuine investments are transparent and regulated, and that credentials should be verified through official channels.
Authorities also warn about the growing use of advanced technologies, including deepfake and AI-powered tools, to imitate legitimate news brands, government entities, or trusted firms. The public is urged to stay cautious, verify information through credible sources, and avoid clicking on unsolicited links or sharing personal information online.
What to do if you encounter a suspicious post or offer
– Do not send money or share financial or personal 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, guarantees of high returns, or pressure to act quickly.
Why this matters
The Baleilevuka case underscores how scammers are evolving, leveraging trusted names and sophisticated digital tactics to mislead ordinary people. It also highlights the importance of cross-agency collaboration, verified credentials, and rapid reporting to curb these deceptive schemes. Public awareness, timely action, and careful verification can strengthen defenses against fraud and protect consumers’ hard-earned money.
Outlook and hopeful note
Despite the cleverness of these scams, the ongoing vigilance of the Consumer Council, Baleilevuka’s proactive public warnings, and coordinated efforts with FCCC and other authorities offer a clear path forward. By staying informed, using official channels to verify opportunities, and reporting suspicious activity promptly, Fijians can reduce their risk and contribute to a safer online environment for all.
Summary
A warning has been issued about a scam that impersonates a prominent public figure to promote fake investments. The public is urged to exercise caution, verify all opportunities through official channels, and report suspicious activity. This incident fits a broader pattern of impersonation fraud seen in Fiji, with authorities calling for vigilance, verification, and rapid reporting to protect consumers.
Additional context notes for editors
– Consider linking this story with related warnings about visa-consultant fraud and AI/deepfake-related scams to provide readers with a broader view of the scam landscape.
– A short sidebar on practical steps for readers to protect themselves online could boost reader engagement and safety.
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