Inia Seruiratu, the Leader of the Opposition, has issued a warning to the public regarding scams, particularly the Paragonix scam, which has inappropriately used the names and likenesses of well-known Fijians to promote fraudulent activities.
Seruiratu made this statement as Scam Awareness Week comes to an end, urging Fijians to stay alert against the ongoing threat of scams, which can cause significant financial and emotional distress for individuals and families.
He noted that, despite the ongoing efforts by the Consumer Council and the Police Force, incidents of scams are increasing and often go unreported. This rise is compounded by issues such as poverty, unemployment, and the intricacies of global digitization.
“A collective effort from all sectors of society is crucial to tackle this escalating issue and safeguard citizens from exploitation. Despite the work being done by the Consumer Council and the Police Force, the number of scam victims continues to climb,” Seruiratu stated. “Sadly, the true scale of the problem is likely underreported, a common challenge for many developing nations grappling with the complexities of digital advancements.”
Seruiratu highlighted that technological advancements and greater interconnectedness provide opportunities for scammers to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. Factors such as economic hardship and the rising cost of living further worsen the situation.
To help prevent falling victim to scams, he encouraged citizens to be aware of the risks and to steer clear of the allure of quick financial gains. He emphasized the need for a united front in combating this issue, stating, “In Australia, losses due to scams in 2023 reached over $2.7 billion, impacting more than 600,000 individuals. These statistics highlight the serious nature of the problem and the urgent need for action.”
He specifically referenced the Paragonix Edge scam, which has wrongly associated his name and images with fraudulent efforts, along with those of other notable Fijians such as Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai, Fred Wesley, and Shania Singh.
“I want to make it clear that I have no association with this company or system. Consumer education plays a vital role in addressing the issue of scams, but a comprehensive community approach is essential,” Seruiratu added, calling for collaboration among government entities, law enforcement, regulators, NGOs, civil society, religious institutions, the education sector, and the community to effectively combat scams and protect citizens from financial exploitation.