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, amounting to more than $3 million in losses.
Addressing Parliament, Kamikamica noted that both the Consumer Council and the Fiji Police Force have indicated that around $3 million has been lost due to eBay scams. He expressed concern that the actual number may be much higher and is awaiting a report from the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s Financial Intelligence Unit for a more accurate assessment of the scam’s impact.
Kamikamica outlined the various types of scams affecting the public, including online schemes utilizing phishing emails and text messages, as well as impersonation of influential business figures to solicit fund transfers through mobile wallets. He highlighted a rise in investment scams, where fraudsters exploit vulnerable investors eager for quick financial gain by selling nonexistent products or ideas.
He described the eBay online recruitment scam as one of the most significant frauds in Fiji’s history, severely impacting the community and drawing national concern. The Deputy Prime Minister remarked that the scammers exploit individuals’ trust and aspirations, leaving victims financially ruined and disheartened.
To combat this issue, Kamikamica stated that the government has formed the Anti-Scam Taskforce. This initiative, comprising multiple agencies, aims to address the increasing problem of fraud through improved surveillance, enhanced institutional measures, and focused public awareness efforts involving various stakeholders.
He emphasized the necessity of establishing a dedicated scam agency to adapt to the evolving landscape of fraud. Kamikamica concluded that a comprehensive strategy is crucial to effectively manage the growing prevalence of scams in Fiji.