Elderly increasingly targeted in financial scams, says Kiran

Financial exploitation of elderly people is emerging as a growing concern in Fiji, with cases of deception against people aged 60 and over rising sharply despite an overall decline in reported crimes against older persons.

Data highlighted by Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran yesterday showed that while reported crimes against people aged 60 years and over fell by 13.6 per cent — from 1,945 cases in 2024 to 1,680 cases in 2025 — cases involving financial deception increased significantly.

Cases of obtaining a financial advantage by deception rose by 86 per cent, from 29 cases in 2024 to 54 cases in 2025.

At the same time, 159 older persons were victims of assault causing actual bodily harm, while cases involving criminal intimidation, trespass, online-related offences and money laundering targeting older persons were also recorded.

“The Western Division continued to record the highest number of elderly victims, while the Northern Division experienced an overall increase in cases, highlighting the need for greater vigilance and stronger protective measures across the country,” Ms Kiran said.

Ms Kiran was speaking in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed globally on June 15 under the theme: "Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work".

She said the ministry “condemns all forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons in Fiji.”

“It often occurs behind closed doors and remains underreported, making it even more critical for families, communities, and service providers to remain alert and take responsibility for safeguarding older persons."

The ministry is also concerned by reports of older persons being neglected, abandoned or deprived of homes and property they spent their lives acquiring.

“Increasingly, we are seeing older persons being thrown onto the streets or left in residential care facilities by their own children and relatives who have a responsibility to care for them.

“Families remain the first line of protection for older persons, and children and relatives have a duty to ensure that their ageing parents and loved ones are cared for with dignity, compassion, and respect.”

Ms Kiran said that as Fiji's population continued to age, stronger prevention, reporting and response mechanisms were needed to protect older persons from harm.

"Protecting older persons is a collective responsibility and a national priority. The way we care for our elders reflects who we are as a society. No older person should live in fear, neglect, or isolation.

“Our older persons cared for us, made sacrifices for their families, and helped build the Fiji we know today. We all have a responsibility to ensure they live their later years with dignity, security, and respect," she said.

The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring older persons could live free from abuse, fear and neglect, while acknowledging the work of caregivers, families, faith-based organisations, civil society groups and healthcare workers supporting older people across Fiji.

Suspected cases of elder abuse can be reported to the nearest Social Welfare Office or through Empower Pacific's toll-free line on 5626.