Joel Abraham, CEO of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), has announced that the Cabinet’s recent endorsement for reviewing laws concerning fraud and scam protection is a significant advancement in safeguarding Fijians. The review is set to be conducted with assistance from the United Nations Capital Development Fund, focusing on enhancing consumer, business, and economic protections against the increasing threats of cybercrime and fraud.
Mr. Abraham emphasized the necessity for stronger legal frameworks to combat scams and fraud effectively. He noted that as scams become more intricate and rampant, there is an urgent need for laws that can adapt to and address these evolving challenges. Along with promoting public vigilance against scams, he advocated for more comprehensive and stringent laws that impose severe penalties to deter potential offenders.
The FCCC is particularly interested in introducing legal requirements for telecommunications and digital platforms to prevent scammers from reaching consumers, as well as incorporating consumer education into school curricula. Additionally, establishing legal methods for recovering payments when service providers are found negligent is a priority.
Mr. Abraham also mentioned that the FCCC is reviewing the legal responsibilities of banks, telecommunications companies, and eWallet platforms to enhance protections, especially following recent scams such as the eBayshop Online fraud. He highlighted the importance of ongoing training and knowledge sharing among regulatory and enforcement agencies to stay ahead of emerging scam tactics.
He expressed hope that the law review would adopt a collective approach by involving government entities, regulatory agencies, and the private sector, ultimately ensuring the security of the Fijian public. The FCCC is eager to engage in the review process and collaborate with stakeholders to establish a robust legal framework that adequately protects consumers from fraud and scams.
For those needing more information or wishing to report violations of consumer rights, the public can contact the FCCC via phone at 8921 991, email at helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj, or through their various online channels.