New trends in scams are emerging, with con artists becoming increasingly adept at targeting vulnerable individuals using more sophisticated tactics. Seema Shandil, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, reported a concerning rise in construction-related scams, as well as the establishment of unregistered non-governmental organizations (NGOs) designed to deceive those in need.
Scammers are capitalizing on emotional appeals to defraud consumers, offering false government grants, discounted grocery deals, and healthcare services tailored mainly for vulnerable citizens in Fiji. “We must be savvy and cautious about who and what we are dealing with. You need to verify the legitimacy of who you are interacting with; otherwise, you risk losing your hard-earned money,” Shandil emphasized on the necessity for heightened awareness.
In response to these challenges, Shandil also pointed out that the Consumer Council is working closely with relevant stakeholders to increase public awareness and advocacy efforts to combat these fraudulent activities. Shaheen Ali, Permanent Secretary for Communications, underscored that they are currently developing a National Digital Strategy aimed at bolstering online safety. “This strategy will ensure that as we embrace digitalization, it is done within a secure and trusted environment,” stated Ali.
The Consumer Council is planning to initiate new policies to better protect citizens against scams, striving to foster a more fortified consumer protection landscape. These efforts reflect both a recognition of the current realities in the digital economy and a commitment to proactive measures ensuring consumer safety.
The escalation in scam incidents serves as a crucial reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and verify organizations and offers before engaging. Through collective efforts and increased awareness, there is hope that consumers can better shield themselves from falling victim to these increasingly elaborate scams.
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