The CEO of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Joel Abraham, has stated that the recent approval by the Cabinet to review Fiji’s laws regarding fraud and scam protection marks a significant advancement in ensuring the safety of Fijians.
This review, supported by the United Nations Capital Development Fund, aims to strengthen the protections against the increasing threats of cybercrime and fraud, which are adversely affecting consumers, businesses, and the overall Fijian economy. Abraham emphasized the necessity for more robust legal frameworks to combat scams and fraud effectively. He noted, “We have been advocating for tougher scam and fraud protection laws for a considerable time.”
As scams become more sophisticated and prevalent, there is a pressing need for laws that can adapt and respond to these evolving threats. Abraham mentioned that alongside public awareness campaigns promoting vigilance against scams, the introduction of more stringent laws is essential to ensure substantial penalties act as deterrents for offenders.
Some key areas of focus for the FCCC include establishing legal requirements for telecommunications and digital platforms to prevent scammers from reaching consumers and incorporating consumer education into school programs. “Setting up legal pathways for recovering payments in cases of negligence by service providers is also crucial to us,” he added.
Furthermore, Abraham indicated plans to reassess the legal obligations of banks, telecom providers, and eWallet platforms to bolster protections, particularly in light of recent scams like the eBayshop Online scam. The FCCC is also committed to ongoing training and knowledge sharing to keep regulatory and enforcement bodies ahead of emerging scam tactics.
He expressed hope that the review would adopt a comprehensive approach involving government entities, regulatory authorities, and the private sector to ensure the protection of the Fijian public. Abraham asserted that regulators must secure their systems and adapt to new challenges. The FCCC anticipates contributing to the review and collaborating with stakeholders to create a more resilient legal framework to protect consumers in Fiji from fraud and scams.
For further details or to report consumer rights violations, the public is encouraged to reach out to the FCCC via phone at 8921 991, email at helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj, or through various online channels.