The Fiji Police Force has had difficulties in monitoring people involved with EBay Shop Fiji, says Attorney-General Siromi Turaga.
Speaking to this newspaper during a Parliament sitting break, Mr Turaga said EBay Shop Fiji should be investigated and taken to task as people who were least informed were most affected by such activities.
“I have put it to the police, and they have some difficulties in terms of monitoring. I have told them that this is not tolerated,” he said.
Mr Turaga said people were exploited on social media with regards to this illegal trading.
“We should understand too the level of education of the general public. Some are not well educated and may not know how to use social media.
“And I have heard of this some months back, there was a big promotion and you hear people sharing their bit, and now it is getting to a stage where some of the outlets have closed.
“Mostly scammers are from Africa, but then we also have our very own here who look for quick cash and it’s sad because we know they would be affected.
“We have asked for the government’s Department of Information to put out an advisory regarding that. It is difficult for people to survive and also poor opportunities for people to explore in, especially the vulnerable.
“And it is the people who are least informed who are affected.”
Meanwhile, the police issued a statement saying they were yet to receive any report against the online trader.
As for local online scams, 21 cases have been investigated and the offenders charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception, contrary to Section 318 of the Crimes Act 2009.
Police said its cyber crime unit was working with mobile service providers to trace perpetrators through their records with regards to M-PAiSA scams.
Police have also reiterated that with all businesses conducted online, it was important to carry out due diligence and thorough checks to verify information before payment of money was done.
Police advised members of the public to be cautious of all online transactions from unverified sources or platforms or to avoid engaging with these sources altogether.
