The Reserve Bank of Fiji has fallen victim to a recent scam whereby a video has been circulating on social media, allegedly featuring Governor Ariff Ali. In this misrepresented interview, claims were made that Fijians could earn extravagant returns of $18,000 a month by investing only $500 into a fictitious investment platform linked to the Reserve Bank. The video claimed a surge in users, emphasizing how many people are benefiting from this supposed venture.
However, Governor Ali confirmed that the video was fabricated and stated that the Reserve Bank has officially filed a complaint with Meta, Facebook’s parent company, to have the misleading content removed. Despite the governor’s clarification, the video remains active on social media, igniting interest among viewers eager to know how they can supposedly achieve such wealth.
Ali strongly advised the public to be cautious, noting the risks of losing their hard-earned money due to engaging with scams of this nature. The Reserve Bank issued a statement confirming that they do not offer any investment platforms, especially not one that facilitates automatic trading, which the fraudulent video suggested.
Fiji Television Limited, which was inaccurately implicated in the broadcast of the video, also condemned the unauthorized use of its branding and presenter’s likeness, asserting that this was an ethical violation and emphasizing its commitment to address the issue in collaboration with both the Reserve Bank and law enforcement agencies.
This occurrence marks a troubling trend in the rise of AI-generated scams globally. Similar warning signs have emerged recently, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the U.S. cautioning against AI impersonations of officials, while scams promising high returns have also surfaced in Papua New Guinea.
The ongoing vigilance among authorities and the emphasis on public awareness illustrate a commitment to protecting citizens from such deceptive practices. By educating individuals on the importance of verifying information and relying on credible sources, there is a collective hope that the community can strengthen its defenses against fraud and safeguard its financial well-being.
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