The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) has revealed that it received 113 scam-related complaints between September 2024 and September 2025, with financial losses exceeding $82,000.
While the figure may seem modest, the Council warns the true number of scam victims is likely much higher, as many cases go unreported due to fear of embarrassment, shame, or public judgment.
“These numbers tell a clear story,” the Council said.
“Despite the warnings, too many Fijians are still falling prey to scammers.”
The rise in scams comes despite nationwide awareness campaigns, with fraudsters increasingly exploiting social media platforms, mobile wallets, and informal lending schemes to lure victims.
Many scams promise quick money, play on emotional vulnerability, or imitate legitimate institutions.
The now-infamous eBay scam, which cost victims thousands, marked a turning point in scam sophistication, but the Council says early warning signs were already present in the form of fraudulent lending and informal finance schemes.
Since then, scammers have widened their tactics, now including, multi-level marketing (MLM) scams, fake investment schemes, astrology and fortune-telling rackets, phishing messages and impersonation fraud and mobile money frauds.
The Council is urging consumers to stay vigilant, verify schemes and sellers, report suspicious activity, and speak openly with family members to raise awareness and prevent further harm.
“Scammers will exploit every opportunity if people are not vigilant,” the Council warned.
