The Leader of the Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, has issued a warning to the public regarding scams like the Paragonix scam, which has improperly used the names and images of well-known Fijians to promote deceitful schemes.
In a statement, Seruiratu emphasized that as Scam Awareness Week comes to an end, Fijians should continue to stay alert against the widespread threat of scams, which can cause significant financial and emotional damage to individuals and families.
Despite the efforts of the Consumer Council and the Police Force, Seruiratu pointed out that scams are on the rise, often going unreported. This increase is made worse by issues such as poverty, unemployment, and the complexities introduced by global digitization.
“A coordinated approach from all sectors of society is vital to tackle this escalating issue and safeguard citizens from exploitation. Even with ongoing initiatives from the Consumer Council and Police, the number of individuals falling victim to scams continues to grow,” he stated.
“The real scale of the issue is probably underrepresented. Many developing nations face similar challenges as they adapt to the intricacies of global digitization,” he added.
Seruiratu noted that advancements in technology and increased connectivity provide scammers more opportunities to target vulnerable individuals, while socioeconomic issues like poverty, joblessness, and rising living costs make the situation even worse.
He urged citizens to remain cautious and avoid being lured by quick profit schemes to prevent becoming victims of scams, emphasizing that overcoming this ongoing crisis requires a unified effort from all stakeholders.
He highlighted that in Australia, scam losses in 2023 surpassed $2.7 billion, impacting over 600,000 individuals, underscoring the serious nature of the problem and the pressing need for action.
Seruiratu specifically mentioned the Paragonix Edge scam, which has falsely used his name and photographs, along with those of other notable Fijians such as Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai, Fred Wesley, and Shania Singh, to mislead the public.
“I want to stress that I have no affiliation with this company or system. Educating consumers is a critical part of addressing the scam issue, but a comprehensive societal approach is necessary,” he added.
“This includes collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, regulators, NGOs, civil society groups, religious organizations, the education sector, and the community as a whole. Together, we can confront scams and protect our citizens from financial exploitation,” Seruiratu concluded.