Fiji’s New Job Scam: Are You the Next Target?

The Anti-Scam Taskforce in Fiji has issued a warning to the public about a new recruitment scam utilizing iMessages to target individuals seeking employment. This scam initiates with a message from a so-called recruiter making implausible job offers, with claims of flexible working hours and daily earnings ranging from $100 to $300, for just one hour of work per day. The message encourages recipients to contact the recruiter via WhatsApp and explicitly states a requirement for applicants to be 22 years of age or older.

Once interested individuals respond, the scammers typically request personal information or an upfront payment, which can lead to identity theft and other fraudulent activities. Manoa Kamikamica, chair of the taskforce and Minister for Trade, noted that such scams are not new, citing Fiji’s prevalent demand for remote work as a recurring target for fraudsters. He advised the public to be wary of any job offers that seem too good to be true.

Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council of Fiji, echoed the taskforce’s concern and urged Fijians to validate online job offers critically, especially considering the existence of legitimate recruiters. She emphasized the imperative to maintain skepticism about unsolicited offers, particularly those that promise high pay for minimal effort.

Moreover, the taskforce urges people to report suspicious messages and share this alert with friends and family, fostering community awareness to combat this growing threat. They can reach out to the national consumer helpline at 155 or email Complaints@consumersfiji.org for reporting scams.

This consumer vigilance is essential in an increasingly digital world where scams are on the rise. By educating the public and strengthening awareness around fraudulent offers, there is hope for creating a safer online experience for everyone in Fiji.

In view of the increasing sophistication of such scams, staying informed and cautious while navigating job searches online will empower Fijians to protect themselves and their personal information effectively.