PRESS CONFERENCE

Address by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications – Hon. Manoa Kamikamica

 

Members of the Interagency Taskforce

 

Members of the Media

 

Bula Vinaka and Good afternoon to you all.

 

Thank you for availing yourself this afternoon to discuss more on the growing saddening scams happening in Fiji.

 

I am here today, to address a matter of utmost importance to all Fijians. The increasing threat of online/cyber frauds and scams that our fellow Fijians are facing in the digital age.

 

In our connected world, where technology plays an integral role in daily lives, it is essential to be vigilant and informed about the various forms of online scams and frauds that can harm our citizens.

 

No one wins from such scams and it only deprives people’s hard earned money and deceptive tactics must stop now. Fiji has had an unfortunate history of scams such as Fijian Helping Fiji, Gifting Pyramid Schemes, EBayShop Scam and even Impersonations to obtain financial advantage.

 

That is why an interagency taskforce has been established comprising the Ministry of Trade, Co-operative, SMEs and Communications, Fiji Police Force, Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Consumer Council of Fiji and Reserve Bank of Fiji.

 

1. SCAMS HAPPENING IN FIJI

• It has become an alarming concern of the increased scams happening in Fiji.
• EBay Shop – The recent scam that has failed has left many people struggling, with no return of investments. It was essentially a Ponzi Scheme or Pyramid Scheme disguised as a “recruitment agency”.

 

In fact – there is no company or business entity registered as EbayShop. From the information available, we understand that the entity is registered as Online Trading Pte Limited, and the Directors of the company are Fijians. The FCCC had written to EBay who confirmed that they had no affiliation with this EBay Shop venture, and there is no foreign Directorship in the company.

• Impersonation on Viber – Innocent users of Viber and M-PAISA are targeted by deceptive individuals impersonating prominent figures or people you know with an intention to solicit money. These individuals employ fake profiles, often using the names or pictures of your colleagues, friends, and family members, in an attempt to gain your trust and sympathy. Once they have established this false sense of familiarity, they request funds to be transferred to them via M-PAiSA.
• This impersonation tactic is not only disheartening but also financially harmful to those who fall victim to it. We want to emphasise that such actions are not only unethical but also illegal.
• We urge all Viber and M-PAiSA users to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited requests for money. Verify the identity of the person making the request through other means, such as a phone call or in-person confirmation, before taking any action. Additionally, report any suspicious activity immediately to the Fiji Police Force and the mobile service provider.
• CryptoCurrency – This is a complex scam that is happening globally, and relevant agencies are undertaking investigations in the matter to establish the extent of the problem affecting Fiji.
• Some individuals are using a specific cryptocurrency to trick people into buying gaming vouchers that can be later traded on cryptocurrency exchange websites.
• Here’s the thing: Buying vouchers or in-game credits on gaming sites is perfectly fine and not against the rules. Many gamers do this to enhance their gaming experience.
• However, what you should watch out for is anyone asking you to buy these vouchers specifically to trade them for cryptocurrency. This can be a scam, and you could end up losing your money.
• So, while enjoying your games and buying gaming vouchers is okay, always be cautious when someone asks you to buy vouchers just for cryptocurrency trading. It’s important to be aware and stay safe online.

 

2. HOW MUCH LOSSES HAVE BEEN INCURRED?

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, since the closure of the eBay shop, many people have filed their grievances to FCCC and CCoF and thus far,

 

• CCoF has received a total of 182 complaints that is valued at $357,000.

• FCCC has received a total of 126 complaints that are valued at approximately $352,000.

• On Average – each complainant had lost between $2,000 to $2,800.

 

3. WHAT ARE WE DOING ABOUT IT?

 

• A series of warnings has been sounded by the Consumer Council of Fiji, FCCC and Reserve Bank of Fiji, a few months ago. Just recently the Financial Intelligence Unit has informed the public of the ongoing concerns on EBay Shop.
• Following a number of meetings and ongoing discussions between agencies, the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications has formed a Multi-Interagency Taskforce that collectively addresses the scams.
• Enforcement agencies, such as FCCC and Police only become involved if an offence is alleged to have been committed. As such, FCCC and Police required complainants to come forward and provide statements which verify the structure and impact of the scheme.
• The Fiji Police Force has also established 2 Taskforces – 1 in Central and 1 in Western Division for the investigations.
• We have also established a complaints mechanism that creates a collective seamless pathway of processing financial deception.
• We will also work with the Online Safety Commission as well and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs to ensure that stronger awareness and advocacy is undertaken in our efforts to fight against these scams.
• Complaints can be lodged at FCCC, FPF or Consumer Council of Fiji on. They will record your complaints and pass it on to the Police for investigations.
• For more information or to report fraudulent activities or have any related information that will assist the enforcement agencies, please contact Consumer Council of Fiji on 155 or Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on 8921991.

 

4. CAN THE MONEY BE RECOVERED?

 

• No, but we must ensure that people of Fiji do not fall victims to such scams.

 

5. KEY MESSAGES

 

My message to the people of Fiji:

 

• Get advice from proper and legitimate financial advisers on investments
• People to be more vigilant and do more checks before sending money. Do not wire money to unknown individuals.
• Recognise and report a scam immediately.
• This is a gross action by people manipulating others of their hard earned money.
• Taking advantage of people in financial hardships must stop now.
• Furthermore, impersonating other people is a serious offence.
• A stern warning to the Scammers – there is no refuge for deceit in the New Fiji. Cease your deceptive practices, profiting from the hard-earned income of innocent people. When we apprehend you, we will not waver in applying the full force of the law against your actions.

 

6. REPORTING MECHANISM

 

• For more information or to report fraudulent activities or have any related information that will assist the enforcement agencies, please contact Consumer Council of Fiji on 155 or Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on 8921991. The Police can be contacted on 9905660 (Lautoka) and Totogo on 9905834.
• We suspect that the Scammers and Agents are threatening legal actions against the victims if they lodge complaints – I just want to assure those that have been affected do not be afraid to lodge complaints and do not be bullied further.
• To the people affected, your testimonies may contain crucial information that could significantly aid all our investigative efforts. Please come forward.

 

7. NEXT STEPS

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

• I urge people to come forward and file a complaint to FCCC, CCoF and FPF. Whilst we cannot recover your money, we need to take the people who are manipulating and financially deceiving people to tasks.
• For more information or to report fraudulent activities or have any related information that will assist the enforcement agencies, please contact Consumer Council of Fiji on 155 or Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on 8921991. The Police can be contacted on 9905 660 (Lautoka) and Totogo on 9905 834.
• All complaints being referred to Investigations are currently being handled by Police. We need to take the scammers to task.

 

-Dated 15^th September, 2023-