The CEO of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), Joel Abraham, expressed that the recent approval by Cabinet to review Fiji’s laws regarding fraud and scam protection marks a significant advancement in the effort to ensure the safety of Fijians.
This review, which will be conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund, aims to strengthen protections against the increasing threats posed by cybercrime and fraud that adversely affect consumers, businesses, and the broader Fijian economy. Abraham emphasized the urgent need for enhanced legal frameworks to combat scams and fraud effectively.
He stated, “As scams become more complex and frequent, there is a pressing need for laws that are adaptable and responsive to these emerging threats. While we promote public awareness and vigilance against scams, it is essential to establish more stringent laws with appropriate penalties to deter offenders.”
Areas that the FCCC intends to focus on include legal requirements for telecommunications and digital platforms to prevent scammers from contacting consumers, as well as integrating consumer education into school curriculums.
Abraham also emphasized the importance of establishing legal pathways for the recovery of payments in instances of proven negligence by service providers. Furthermore, he called for a reassessment of the legal responsibilities of banks, telecommunications, and eWallet platforms to enhance protections against recent scams, like the eBayshop Online scam.
The FCCC supports initiatives that provide ongoing training and knowledge sharing to keep regulatory and enforcement agencies ahead of evolving scam tactics. Abraham hopes the review will adopt a comprehensive societal approach, involving government entities, regulatory bodies, and the private sector to ensure the security of Fijian citizens. He expressed eagerness to contribute to this review and collaborate with stakeholders to create a more robust and responsive legal framework to safeguard consumers against fraud and scams.
For further information or to report violations of consumer rights, the public can reach out to the FCCC via phone at 8921 991, through email at helpdesk@fccc.gov.fj, or through various channels available online.