The Opposition Leader, Inia Seruiratu, is urging the public to remain cautious of scams, particularly the Paragonix scam, which has misappropriated the names and images of notable Fijians to promote fraudulent activities.
In his statement, Seruiratu highlighted the importance of vigilance as Scam Awareness Week comes to a close, emphasizing that scams can cause significant financial and emotional distress to individuals and families. He noted that despite ongoing efforts by the Consumer Council and the Police Force, incidents of scams are on the rise, often going unreported. This trend is worsened by factors such as poverty, unemployment, and the challenges posed by global digitization.
“A united effort across all sectors of society is crucial to counter this escalating threat and safeguard citizens from exploitation. Even with the initiatives by the Consumer Council and Police Force, the number of scams affecting individuals continues to increase,” Seruiratu stated.
He pointed out that the true scope of the problem may be underreported, a common issue in many developing nations as they grapple with the intricacies of global digitization. Advances in technology and greater connectivity provide ample opportunities for scammers to prey on vulnerable individuals, while challenges like rising living costs exacerbate the situation.
To mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams, Seruiratu advised citizens to be aware of the potential dangers and to resist the lure of quick financial gains. “Addressing this issue necessitates a collaborative effort from all stakeholders.”
Seruiratu referenced alarming statistics from Australia, where scam losses in 2023 surpassed $2.7 billion impacting over 600,000 individuals, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the immediate need for action.
He specifically mentioned the Paragonix Edge scam, which has incorrectly used his name and likeness, along with those of other well-known Fijians like Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai, Fred Wesley, and Shania Singh, to promote a fraudulent scheme. “I must clarify that I have no affiliation with this company or its practices. Consumer education is vital in addressing the issue of scams, but a comprehensive societal approach is essential.”
“This collaborative effort should include government agencies, law enforcement, regulatory bodies, NGOs, civil society organizations, religious institutions, the education system, and the broader community. Together, we can fight scams and protect our citizens from financial exploitation,” Seruiratu concluded.