No one is safe from scam threat, warns Consumer Council

The Consumer Council of Fiji has recorded a sharp rise in scam cases this year, with victims suffering severe financial losses.

These including a public servant who lost $16,000 to fraudsters posing as police officers, an elderly couple who lost $34,000 in retirement savings, and a family duped out of $4,000 for fake holiday accommodation.

“Scams are evolving faster than ever and no one is safe, not even the tech-savvy,” warned Consumer Council chief executive officer Seema Shandil during the launch of Anti-Scam Awareness Week 2025 in Suva today.

“Scams have not receded — they’ve evolved,” Ms Shandil said.

“Even digitally literate professionals are being trapped. Victims are losing not just money, but their dignity, trust in technology, and peace of mind.”

Ms Shandil revealed that scammers are now using artificial intelligence and deepfake videos, including one that falsely depicted the Reserve Bank Governor promoting a fake investment scheme.

“These are not just statistics, they are human stories,” Ms Shandil said.

“The emotional and psychological cost of scams is devastating.”

To combat the growing threat, the council is rolling out a nationwide awareness campaign, targeting rural communities, schools, and workplaces. In partnership with Vodafone Fiji and Digicel, SMS scam alerts will be sent to mobile users across the country over the next six weeks.

 “Our teams are reaching rural areas, schools and workplaces to teach Fijians how to recognise and report scams,” Ms Shandil said.

“We have moved beyond talks to direct action. Every Fijian will receive these alerts, awareness must reach everyone,” she said.

An awareness march led by the Fiji Police Force band will take place tomorrow in Suva to highlight the seriousness of the issue.

“This march is not just symbolic,” Ms Shandil said. “It is a powerful message that scams are being taken seriously, and we are acting together.”

She said the fight required unity. “No single entity can defeat global scams. Our only effective defence is a united one,” she said. “When Fiji stands together, scams cannot win.”

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica praised the council’s efforts, saying Fiji’s digital transformation must be matched by digital trust.

UNDP Resident Representative Mukhtoya Altangerel added that scams have become a development issue across the Pacific.

“Technology evolves quickly, our education and awareness must evolve just as fast,” she said. “Stop. Think. Verify. Before you click or send money, pause. Scams don’t discriminate, and awareness is your best protection.”