Scammers will continue to evolve tactics to lure, consumers warned

Scammers are continually evolving their tactics to reflect trends from around the world.

This was the message from Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Shaheen Ali, during the start of the inaugural National Scam Awareness Week.

“In our rapidly evolving digital age, it is crucial to understand that scams have become an unfortunate aspect of daily life,” Mr Ali said.

He elaborated on the various types of scams currently prevalent in Fiji, including impersonation schemes, fake job offers, and romance scams, often exacerbated by misleading communications such as those from social media forums.

“The National Scam Awareness Week is a vital platform for educating not just young adults but future generations on recognising and protecting themselves from scams,” he said.

To maximise outreach, the campaign will use various media channels, including billboards and social media, to broaden public awareness.

Meanwhile, Consumer Council of Fiji chief executive officer Seema Shandil noted the lack of response from consumers during their outreach programmes.

But when the consumers were scammed, that’s when the demand for their service surged.

“Despite our numerous alerts about potential scams and advice on recognising scammers, many consumers remain complacent,” Ms Shandil said.

She said with extensive awareness campaigns online and at the grassroots level, people continued to ignore the guidance provided.

Unfortunately, this negligence often led consumers to seek help only after falling victim to scams.

Last year, the damaging impact of the eBay Online Shop recruitment scam left 900 Fijians affected, with the council recording complaints amounting to $1.7 million.

“The damage caused by such scams is only the beginning of the problem,” Ms Shandil said.

At a global level, online fraud has surged, with phishing emails and other deceptive practices targeting both individuals and businesses.

The Anti-Scam Taskforce is designed to enhance coordination among agencies, promote awareness, and advocate for protective measures through initiatives such as Scam Awareness Week.

The taskforce aims to improve public knowledge and implement joint educational campaigns, alongside advocating for stricter laws and regulations.

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