The Consumer Council of Fiji, in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is developing new legislation aimed at enhancing consumer protection against fraudulent activities and deceptive schemes. This legislative initiative was discussed during a parliamentary debate concerning the Consolidated Review Report on the Consumer Council’s annual reports for the years 2019-2020, 2021-2022, and 2022-2023.
Minister for Finance, Commerce, and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel, emphasized that this forthcoming legislation will establish a robust legal framework for recognizing, reporting, and penalizing scams, which is expected to bolster consumer confidence and safety. Currently, the Consumer Council serves as the secretariat for the Anti-Scam Task Force, which is led by the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development.
Highlighting recent efforts, Minister Immanuel referenced the successful Anti-Scam Awareness Week held from October 6-7, which aimed to educate citizens about the dangers posed by scammers. Member of Parliament Manoa Kamikamica noted the government’s commitment to proactively monitoring scams, pointing out that prior to their administration, there was little visibility or action regarding scam activities.
Kamikamica recalled the rise of the e-Bay scam, which catalyzed the collaboration between the Consumer Council and various ministries to create a more vigilant approach towards scam management. The initiative involves multiple agencies, including the Reserve Bank of Fiji and the police force, fostering a united front against fraudulent practices in the nation.
Despite these efforts, Kamikamica expressed concerns about the inadequacy of current laws in managing scam-related issues. He remains hopeful that upcoming legislative proposals will empower agencies to act decisively in curbing scams before they gain traction in the community.
This concerted effort represents a proactive stance by the Fijian government in addressing scams, thereby fostering a safer marketplace for consumers. Through collaboration and legislative development, there is optimism that Fiji will significantly enhance its consumer protection framework, ultimately helping to shield citizens from fraudulent activities.