Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) CEO Joel Abraham has praised the recent Cabinet approval for a review of Fiji’s fraud and scam protection laws, calling it a significant advancement in efforts to protect Fijians.
The review, supported by the United Nations Capital Development Fund, aims to bolster protections against the escalating threats of cybercrime and fraud that affect consumers, businesses, and the overall economy in Fiji. Abraham emphasized the necessity for more robust legal frameworks to combat the increasing complexity and frequency of scams.
He stated, “We have been advocating for stronger scam and fraud protection laws for quite some time. As scams evolve, it is essential to have laws that can adapt to these new challenges.” In addition to promoting public awareness and vigilance against scams, Abraham highlighted the demand for detailed legislation that imposes severe penalties as deterrents for offenders.
Abraham mentioned several areas where FCCC seeks improvements, such as requiring telecommunications and digital platforms to prevent scammers from reaching consumers and incorporating consumer education into school curricula. He also stressed the importance of establishing legal frameworks to recover payments in cases of provider negligence and reassessing the responsibilities of banks and telecommunications providers in light of recent scams, including the eBayshop Online scam.
Additionally, FCCC advocates for continuous training and information sharing among regulatory and enforcement agencies to stay ahead of deceptive tactics. Abraham expressed hope that the review would adopt a comprehensive societal approach, collaborating with government entities, regulatory authorities, and the private sector to safeguard the Fijian public. He added that FCCC looks forward to participating in the review and working with stakeholders to create a more resilient and responsive legal structure to protect consumers from fraud and scams.
For more information or to report consumer rights violations, the public is encouraged to contact FCCC via phone at 8921 991, email at helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj, or through their online channels.