Bula vinaka shoppers, scams are on the rise across Fiji.
You may have heard of online goods that never arrive, rental car or flat deposit scams, romance scams, mobile money or digital wallet scams (like M-PAiSA), and phishing messages pretending to be from delivery companies.
Many people receive fake Post Fiji texts claiming a package is stuck or undelivered due to a wrong address – with a link to “fix” it. That link is fraudulent and designed to steal personal information. There are also investment or “quick return” schemes promising huge profits, but in many cases, nothing materializes. One example is the “EbayShop” scam, which expanded in Fiji with offices in Nadi, Lautoka, and Labasa. When it collapsed, many participants lost their savings.
Similarly, pyramid or multi-level marketing (MLM) groups use social media to recruit people with promises of commissions, “task work,” or membership benefits – often requiring upfront fees. Many of these turn out to be pyramid schemes. Scams surge during festive periods such as Eid or other holidays, targeting shoppers looking for traditional items, clothing, or decorations. Fraudsters take advantage of increased demand and urgency to deceive consumers. On October 3, the Consumer Council of Fiji noted that the rise in scams mirrors a global trend – from romance scams that prey on loneliness, to investment schemes promising “quick riches,” and online shopping fraud leaving buyers empty-handed.
Government agencies, banks, telecom companies, and consumer advocates are all working to strengthen protections. Banks are using stronger authentication for online transactions, telecom providers are blocking suspicious numbers, and the Consumer Council continues to raise awareness through public campaigns.
But even with these efforts, scammers move fast, and no system is foolproof. One of the most powerful tools lies in our hands as consumers – critical thinking which the Consumer Council calls on all of us shoppers to do. Building critical thinking skills. Critical thinking means pausing, analyzing, and questioning information before acting. Like any skill, it can be developed through habits such as: Verify the source – confirm who is contacting you through official websites or numbers. Question the offer – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Check for consistency – watch for spelling, tone, or formatting errors. Take your time – scammers use urgency to pressure you. Stop and think before acting. Seek a second opinion – ask trusted family, friends, or institutions before making financial decisions.
Shared responsibility: Protecting yourself also means protecting others. Share information about new scams, teach safe digital habits, and help educate the elderly and youths. Workplaces, schools, and communities can hold awareness sessions and promote digital literacy to build a more informed society.
Towards a scam-free Fiji is this year’s National Scams Awareness week theme. Working towards a Scam-Free Fiji”– is more than a slogan. It’s a call to action. While a scam-free Fiji won’t happen overnight, every small step matters. Each time someone spots a red flag, warns a neighbour, or reports a suspicious message, Fiji becomes safer.
The fight against scams is more than money – it’s about trust, safety, and dignity.
Scammers thrive on silence and fear, but when consumers and organisations work together, share information, and stay alert, scams lose their power.
Together, we can build resilience, protect our communities, and move closer to a scam-free Fiji. Common warning signs show sellers asking for payment upfront via mobile money or bank transfer without proof of delivery. Adverts on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp with few reviews or vague contact details.
Messages claiming to be from Post Fiji or delivery services with links or spelling errors. Promises of big profits or instant returns.
Requests for PINs, passwords, or login details. Messages using fear or urgency such as (“Your account will be suspended,” “Limited time only”). Impersonation of known companies like Vodafone or Post Fiji. Sellers who refuse to meet in person or offer prices far below market value.
So, shoppers please stay alert and protect your money.
Don’t let scammers take advantage of your trust or your wallet. Let us all have a safe Fiji Day long weekend and be a responsible shopper.
