Scammers are increasingly targeting older and retired women by exploiting their emotions for financial gain. During the National Scam Awareness Week event at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva, Acting Director of Economic Crime Reshmi Dass highlighted the alarming trend, revealing that nearly ten cases are currently before the courts. One particularly troubling case involved a woman who lost approximately $500,000 through a fraudulent romance scheme. Many of the victims, aged between 60 and 70, were manipulated into sending intimate photos, which the scammers later used to threaten them with social media exposure unless they paid them money.
Dass emphasized the severe implications these scams have on victims, stripping them of not only their finances but also their dignity and reputation. Reports indicate that the perpetrators often pose as young men living abroad, using platforms like WhatsApp to target vulnerable women. In the notable case mentioned, the scammer was eventually identified as a local individual.
This situation underscores the critical need for individuals to protect their personal information and remain vigilant against scams. The disturbing behavior of these scammers raises questions about how victims can be so easily manipulated into sharing sensitive information. There is an urgent call for communities to report any suspicious activities and safeguard their personal data to prevent further exploitation.
Moreover, the Methodist Church in Fiji is currently facing a dilemma regarding its relationship with a partner church that accepts LGBTQ clergy and same-sex marriage. A Fijian church community from Nevada has formally requested that the church sever ties with the United Methodist Church due to these issues. General Secretary of the Methodist Church in Fiji, Jolame Lasawa, stated that while the concerns of the American delegation are acknowledged, the church must proceed carefully due to prior agreements with the United Methodist Church.
In business news, the controversial kava ban in Germany has been deemed political rather than scientific by German kava scientist Dr. Mathias Schmidt. He has called on Fiji and other kava-producing nations in the Pacific to seek diplomatic intervention from Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the European Union, asserting that the scientific community is unaware of the political motivations behind the ban.
Overall, the events highlight the need for increased awareness and preventive measures against scams, as well as the importance of engaging in discussions around sensitive social issues.