Fijians lose more than $1.3 million to scams since 2017

Fijians have lost more than $1.3 million in 1672 scam cases reported to Police since 2017, prompting Fiji and Australia to strengthen efforts against increasingly sophisticated scam groups exploiting technology and artificial intelligence.

As Fiji launched scams awareness week yesterday, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said 338 scam cases had reached the prosecution stage, while 1334 remained under active investigation.

The Western Division recorded the highest number of reports, with pending investigations involving more than $500,000.

Over the past seven years, 11 cases resulted in convictions, with offenders receiving prison sentences, fines or being ordered to compensate victims. Two cases ended in acquittals after victims failed to appear in court.

Organised crime

Mr Tudravu said organised criminal networks were becoming more sophisticated by exploiting technology and human behaviour.

“The scammers are not just attacking our financial systems; they are exploiting human trust and vulnerability,” he said.

Mr Tudravu said fraudsters were creating fake social media pages impersonating banks and offering low-interest loans.

He added plans were underway to establish a national scam response centre to strengthen investigations, intelligence sharing and prevention efforts through the National Anti-Scams Taskforce.

Australian Deputy High Commissioner John Cavanagh said scam syndicates were using artificial intelligence (AI), deep fake videos and other emerging technologies to deceive victims.

“No country can tackle this challenge alone,” he said.

He said Australians lost more than FJ$3.5 billion to scammers last year, with older people among the most vulnerable.

National focus

Consumer Council of Fiji chief executive Seema Shandil said the fight against scams had become a national priority.

She said following a comprehensive review of Fiji’s legislation last year, efforts are now focused on modernising laws to strengthen consumer protection.

Ms Shandil said stronger co-operation between the council, financial institutions, telecommunications providers and the police scams department was improving the country’s response to digital fraud.

Support

Mr Cavanagh said Australia was supporting Fiji through legislative reviews.

He urged Governments and organisations to stop blaming scam victims, saying sophisticated psychological manipulation meant anyone could fall victim.

Mr Tudravu called on young people to become “digital guardians” by helping educate parents and grandparents about online scams.

Mr Tudravu, Mr Cavanagh and Ms Shandil launched the third National Scams Awareness Week and The Fijian Book of Scams under the theme “Building a National Defense Against Scams” at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva yesterday.