Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, is urging the public to be cautious of scams like the Paragonix scam, which has improperly utilized the names and images of well-known Fijians to deceive individuals into participating in fraudulent activities.
In his statement, Seruiratu highlighted the need for continued vigilance as Scam Awareness Week comes to a close. He pointed out that scams are a growing concern that result in significant financial and emotional distress for individuals and families in Fiji.
Seruiratu noted that, despite the actions taken by the Consumer Council and the Police Force, the frequency of scams is increasing, often going unreported. He attributed this to factors such as poverty, unemployment, and the complexities introduced by global digitization.
“A collaborative approach across all sectors of society is crucial in tackling this ongoing issue and shielding citizens from being taken advantage of. The number of victims continues to rise despite the best efforts of regulatory bodies,” he said.
Seruiratu expressed concern that the true scale of the problem is likely understated, particularly in developing nations dealing with the challenges posed by digital advancements. He emphasized that technological progress and increased global connectivity have created opportunities for scammers to target vulnerable individuals, compounded by challenges like rising living costs.
He urged citizens to stay alert to the risks involved in pursuing quick financial gains to avoid being scammed. “The battle against this epidemic requires the collective dedication of all stakeholders,” he stated.
Referencing alarming statistics, Seruiratu mentioned that scam losses in Australia reached over $2.7 billion in 2023, impacting more than 600,000 individuals, further highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue.
Additionally, he called attention to a specific scam known as Paragonix Edge, which has unlawfully used his name and those of other notable Fijians, including Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai, Fred Wesley, and Shania Singh, to endorse a fraudulent operation.
“I want to clarify that I am not affiliated with this company or scheme in any capacity. Educating consumers is vital in tackling the scam crisis; however, a comprehensive approach involving society as a whole is essential,” he added.
Seruiratu concluded by emphasizing the need for collaboration among government agencies, law enforcement, regulatory bodies, NGOs, religious organizations, educational institutions, and communities to effectively combat scams and protect citizens from financial exploitation.