Scams on the Rise: 100+ complaints filed in 12 months

Scams are on the rise in Fiji, with more than 100 complaints lodged over the past year as fraudsters continue to exploit digital platforms and financial vulnerabilities.

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) confirmed it received 113 scam-related complaints between September 2024 and September 2025, with consumers reporting losses exceeding $82,000.

The Council says the true figure is likely much higher, as many victims choose not to report cases due to embarrassment or fear of public exposure.

Despite repeated warnings and nationwide awareness campaigns, scammers are becoming more sophisticated. The Council highlighted that prior to the widely reported eBay scam—where consumers collectively lost thousands—similar cases of fraudulent lending schemes had already been recorded but overlooked.

Since then, scams have multiplied, ranging from multi-level marketing and fraudulent investment schemes to fortune-telling rackets, impersonation fraud, phishing messages, and mobile money scams.

Many victims are lured with false promises of easy income from home.

The effects go beyond financial losses. Victims report emotional distress, broken trust in digital services, and strained family relationships. Young people and digitally active consumers remain especially at risk.

“The numbers tell a clear story: despite the warnings, too many Fijians are still falling prey to scammers,” the Council said. “Scammers are adapting quickly, and they will exploit every opportunity if people are not vigilant.”

The Council is urging consumers to verify sellers, avoid making payments without proper checks, and immediately report suspicious activity.

It has also encouraged families and communities to share awareness to help prevent further losses.

The second National Scams Awareness Week (NSAW), scheduled for October 2025, will bring together government, regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement, and development partners in a coordinated push against scams.

The campaign will emphasise that while institutions will continue their efforts, the strongest defence is individual vigilance.