THE revelation that more than $3 million has been lost to online scams and fraud in Fiji is cause for great concern. These figures reflect people who have lost hard-earned money, often through deception and the exploitation of their trust.
The losses form part of more than 1900 complaints reported to the Fiji Consumer and Competition Commission (FCCC) since 2022.
However, in saying that, these figures may only scratch the surface of a growing problem.
Consumer Manager Campaigns, Information and Media Ziyad Parvez said the statistics represented complaints received by the council and did not capture the full extent of online scams and fraud across the country.
Now that is serious. More than $3 million is a staggering amount, and the fact that it reflects only reported complaints raises even more questions about the scale of the problem and our ability to protect consumers in an increasingly digital world.
It also highlights how vulnerable we remain to those who use technology to manipulate, deceive and exploit unsuspecting people. The threat is real, and we should not assume we are immune.
Speaking at the inaugural National Cybersecurity and Resilience Convention 2026, Mr Parvez pointed to gaps in public awareness of scams, cybersecurity threats and digital literacy as more people embraced digital financial services.
We say this is why we must be vigilant. We must be careful about how we engage online, what information we share and which links, messages and platforms we trust.
Perhaps, knowing the risks and understanding basic safety measures can make a difference.
Mr Parvez noted that banking applications, digital platforms and mobile money wallets had become part of everyday life, yet public understanding of online threats and safe digital practices had not kept pace with their growing use.
Digital literacy, therefore, must be treated as an important tool for prevention.
Education should reach communities, schools, workplaces and vulnerable consumers, helping people recognise warning signs before they become victims.
Mr Parvez also indicated that many complaints remained unresolved, while others were directed to the Fiji Police Force or different organisations. This makes it difficult to establish the true financial toll of online fraud. Organisations with a broader overview of reported cases may be better placed to establish actual losses. That possibility is a major concern. The $3 million figure could be higher, reflecting the need for better reporting, coordination and information sharing.
The FCCC says it continues to advocate for consumer rights in the digital space, including secure transactions, privacy, data protection and access to redress when things go wrong.
These protections matter. However, we say Fiji needs stronger public awareness, effective enforcement, accessible reporting channels and greater accountability from those responsible for safeguarding digital transactions.
The fight against online fraud must be a shared responsibility. We have to accept that consumers must remain alert, institutions must respond decisively, and authorities must close the gaps criminals exploit. We say every dollar lost is a reminder that trust in the digital economy must be earned and protected. The figures are quite high. We cannot afford to let online criminals turn convenience into a costly trap.
