Six hundred and fifty M-PAiSA scam cases are being investigated by the Criminal Investigations Department.
At a regional workshop on cybercrime and electronic evidence held in Cuvu, Nadroga yesterday, Justice Minister Siromi Turaga cited the case of a woman who had paid out almost half a million dollars to a person who lived in Fiji.
Mr Turaga said there continued to be a growing trend of online financial fraud in Fiji.
“The recent M-PAiSA scams alone are estimated to be worth $614, 435.89,” he said.
“About a month ago there was a report made of a lady who had paid out almost half a million dollars to someone, believing that the person she was in contact with was outside of Fiji. Little did she realise the gentleman was from here.
“And there, of course, were some explicit photos and the risk was to be put online, she had no other choice but to keep paying. This is not only happening in Fiji, but it happens everywhere.”
Mr Turaga said technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), had become an integral part of our Pacific community.
“Crimes that once impacted our everyday lives locally have now shifted into cyberspace, creating challenges on a global scale.
“While technology, AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) have become an integral part of our lives — assisting at work, enhancing communication, powering our vehicles, managing household devices, and transforming business practices — they also present opportunities for criminals to infiltrate and exploit these systems.”
