Schools urged to be on high alert for scammers

The Ministry of Education has warned schools across Fiji to remain vigilant following reports of an individual falsely claiming to represent the Embassy of Japan.

In a statement, the ministry said the Embassy of Japan had confirmed incidents at Bureiwai School in Korovou on April 23 and Seaqaqa Central College on May 19 involving a person who allegedly identified himself as a Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) coordinator.

The individual reportedly attempted to collect school documents and requested money from school officials.

Reports also indicate the person conducted unauthorised consultations at schools and sought payments for transportation, meals, consultation services and documentation-related purposes.

The ministry has urged all heads of schools to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent the Embassy of Japan or any development partner before providing information, documents or making payments.

It stressed that schools should not hand over money to any individual without proper verification of their identity and authority.

Schools have also been advised to immediately report any suspicious activity or similar incidents to their respective Divisional Education Office and relevant authorities for investigation.

The ministry said it was working closely with the Embassy of Japan to protect schools from fraudulent activities and safeguard the integrity of partnerships that support education development in Fiji.