The chairman of the Anti-Scam Taskforce, Manoa Kamikamica, has stated that the Ebay Shop scam has reportedly caused losses exceeding $3 million. In a presentation to Parliament, Mr. Kamikamica highlighted preliminary findings from a detailed report by the Financial Intelligence Unit, suggesting that the actual losses are significantly greater than initially calculated.
He described the Ebay Shop online recruitment scam as one of the largest in Fiji’s history, noting its devastating effect on individuals and the heightened national awareness surrounding this escalating issue. “The scammers exploited the trust and aspirations of many, leaving victims not only financially devastated but also profoundly disenchanted,” he articulated. While the Consumer Council of Fiji and the police have estimated that losses due to the Ebay scam amount to around $3 million, Mr. Kamikamica believes this figure is likely much higher.
The taskforce is currently awaiting an official report from the Reserve Bank of Fiji through the FIU to fully assess the scam’s ramifications within the country. He mentioned that the projected losses are “quite staggering.”
Mr. Kamikamica also pointed out a worrying trend, as many Fijians continue to fall prey to various online scams. A substantial increase in online fraudulent activities has been noted, with the Consumer Council receiving over 1,700 complaints related to scams since 2019, accumulating losses exceeding $3 million.
Different types of scams have emerged, including those utilizing phishing emails and texts, as well as impersonating notable business figures to deceive victims into transferring funds through mobile wallets. Moreover, investment scams have surged, with fraudsters misleading desperate investors with false or non-existent products, luring them with promises of quick wealth.