The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is alerting the public to a possible scam related to social media ads claiming to provide free online courses with certification and paths to lucrative employment.
These deceptive advertisements, which misuse the Fiji Government logo for an appearance of authenticity, are spreading on social media platforms and encouraging individuals to click on unverified links that may lead to fraudulent websites designed to gather personal information for malicious intents.
FCCC CEO Joel Abraham cautioned, “Stay vigilant and refrain from sharing personal information with untrustworthy sources. As mentioned previously, scammers are becoming more advanced in their targeting of Fijians. Official information about government-sponsored programs is always disseminated through verified channels.”
He noted that these online education scams are cleverly disguised attempts to take advantage of individuals looking to enhance their skills.
“We are making progress toward more effective anti-scam interventions and legislation in the future, but we need the public to be cautious. Always critically examine such offers and confirm with reliable sources. If something appears too good to be true, it likely is.”
To safeguard against falling victim to these scams, the FCCC encourages the public to verify any offers through official channels or established educational institutions’ websites.
Individuals should avoid clicking on unsolicited links or providing personal information online, particularly in response to unverified offers.
With the Diwali season underway, Abraham advises Fijians to remain vigilant against potential scams.
“This time of year typically experiences a spike in fraudulent activity, as scammers attempt to exploit the excitement and increased online shopping during the celebrations.”
He urged caution regarding any uninvited offers, discounts, or giveaways that request personal or financial details.
“Scammers might use Diwali-themed messages to mask their true intentions, so it’s critical to confirm the legitimacy of all offers before proceeding.”
If you suspect you have been scammed or come across suspicious advertisements, report them immediately to the FCCC or relevant authorities, such as the Online Safety Commission or the Fiji Police’s Cyber Crime Unit.
As a participant in the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA), the FCCC has access to sophisticated scam detection tools and can verify any questionable links through ScamAdviser. Report any suspicious links to scamwatch@fccc.gov.fj.
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