Fijians are being alerted to a new job scam that is circulating through Apple’s iMessage and WhatsApp, falsely promoting remote assistant positions in conjunction with Bitcoin ATM installations in Suva and Lautoka. The Anti-Scam Taskforce has issued a strong advisory, particularly cautioning iPhone users about messages offering daily earnings of $200 to $1,500 for merely 15 minutes of work, emphasizing that it is a fraudulent scheme.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, noted this scam is indicative of a wider trend of digital deception targeting uninformed individuals in Fiji. He urged citizens to remain cautious regarding unsolicited job offers and to avoid sharing personal or financial information with unknown sources.
The Consumer Council of Fiji echoed this warning, advising people against interacting with the sender on WhatsApp or responding to the scam’s messages. CEO Seema Shandil highlighted that the objective of this scam is to entice individuals into revealing personal data or transferring funds.
Authorities have also encouraged immediate reporting of any such suspicious messages to the Consumer Council via their toll-free number, 155. This call to action reflects the coordinated efforts by government authorities and consumer advocacy groups to combat the rise of online scams and protect vulnerable consumers.
This incident not only highlights the risks present in the current digital landscape but also serves as a reminder of the importance of public awareness and vigilance in safeguarding personal information from potential fraudulent schemes. As scams continue to evolve, initiatives aimed at educating the public on identifying and avoiding scams can foster a more informed community, supporting safer online experiences for everyone.
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