THE Fiji Online Safety Commission (OSC) has issued warning to the public on impersonation scams targeting mobile phone users.
In a statement, the commission said it received numerous reports regarding impersonation scams where individuals were being falsely represented as cybercrime police officers.
“The perpetrators are targeting mobile phone users, urging them to connect on Viber, offering job opportunities or “free cash”, which often turn out to be fraudulent schemes designed to steal personal information,” the statement read.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to protect the Fijian public, we would like to remind people to remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited communications, especially when offers seem too good to be true.
“Such scams often include claims of “winning” or “receiving benefits” without any legitimate competition or verification process,” it stated.
The commission also urged members of the public to always verify the legitimacy of any offer or job opportunity, especially when contacted by strangers or through unfamiliar platforms.
“Genuine offers or winnings typically require participation in a recognised competition.
“Protect your personal information, including phone numbers, Viber accounts, and other sensitive details.
“Avoid sharing these with unknown or suspicious contacts.
“As Viber is widely used in Fiji, we encourage all users to enhance their privacy settings to safeguard their personal communications.
“Ensure that your account is secured with a strong password and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.”
The commission said scammers often impersonated friends or family members without their knowledge.
“If someone claims to be a relative or acquaintance offering a suspicious deal, contact the person directly via another platform to confirm their identity.”
