Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica has announced that the Consumer Council of Fiji has recorded over 1,700 complaints related to scams since 2019, accumulating losses exceeding $3 million. In his address to Parliament, Kamikamica reported that both the Consumer Council and the Fiji Police Force have attributed approximately $3 million in losses to scams on eBay.
He expressed concern that the actual figures could be significantly higher and mentioned that they are awaiting a report from the Reserve Bank of Fiji, facilitated by the Financial Intelligence Unit, to accurately assess the impact of these scams in the country, with initial estimates being alarming.
Kamikamica enumerated various types of scams and fraudulent activities, highlighting online scams that utilize phishing emails and text messages. He also noted instances where scammers pose as business executives and industry leaders to trick individuals into transferring funds through mobile wallets.
Investment scams are escalating, according to Kamikamica, where fraudsters deceive desperate investors with both legitimate and fictitious products or schemes promising quick wealth. He pointed out that the eBay shop online recruitment scam is among the most significant in Fiji’s history, severely affecting many residents and drawing national attention to the issue.
The Deputy Prime Minister stated that these scammers exploit the trust and aspirations of individuals, resulting in not just financial hardship but also a profound sense of disillusionment.
In response to the growing threat, Kamikamica confirmed that the Government has taken action by forming an Anti-Scam Taskforce. This multi-agency initiative aims to address the rising tide of fraud through improved scam monitoring, the reinforcement of institutional frameworks, and targeted awareness campaigns engaging various stakeholders.
He emphasized the necessity of establishing a dedicated scam agency, given the evolving nature of these problems. Kamikamica concluded that a comprehensive strategy is essential to effectively combat the increasing number of scams in Fiji.