The Consumer Council of Fiji has expressed serious concerns over a rising tide of scam activities that are exploiting public trust across digital platforms and financially vulnerable situations. According to Chief Executive Seema Shandil, between September 2024 and September 2025, the Council received 113 complaints related to scams, with reported consumer losses amounting to over $82,000.
Shandil highlighted that despite repeated warnings and nationwide awareness initiatives, scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to deceive potential victims. Recent cases include widespread schemes like the eBay scam, fraudulent lending practices, multi-level marketing ploys, phishing, impersonation, and mobile money scams.
The Council is emphasizing the importance of vigilance, urging consumers to thoroughly verify sellers, report any suspicious activities, and to disseminate awareness within their families and communities. To tackle these rising scams, the upcoming National Scams Awareness Week will serve as a collaborative platform, gathering government bodies, regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement, and other partners to foster a comprehensive national response.
Similar initiatives have underscored the importance of persistent education and awareness, with a focus on digital literacy among consumers. Past scams such as the eBay Online Shop recruitment scam have had a detrimental impact, affecting 900 Fijians and resulting in $1.7 million in complaints. This emphasizes the critical need for increased public education and the implementation of robust protective measures.
Global trends indicate a surge in online fraud, with tactics like phishing emails targeting both individuals and businesses. Addressing this, Fiji has established an Anti-Scam Taskforce to enhance coordination among agencies, raise awareness, and advocate for stricter laws and regulations.
The continued rise in scam activity highlights the necessity for ongoing awareness and education to safeguard against such fraudulent activities. The collective efforts of awareness weeks and taskforces are vital in building nationwide resilience against scams, underscoring the importance of a proactive approach to combating these challenges. By enhancing public understanding and vigilance, Fiji aims to protect its citizens from the escalating threats of digital fraud.