139 reports of scam cases last year alone - Police

With the alarming rise in scams in the country, Assistant Commissioner of Police Crime Loraini Seru confirmed that the Fiji Police Force received 139 reports of scam cases last year alone.

Seru says these figures underscore the critical need for heightened public awareness and concerted efforts to shield communities from both financial loss and emotional distress.

She says the upcoming National Scams Awareness Week 2025 remains a vital platform for this cause, building on the strong foundation set during last year’s campaign which successfully engaged communities at all levels.

Seru adds that preparations are well underway, with Taskforce members collaborating to engage citizens, youth, civil society, and regional partners in meaningful dialogue focused on scam prevention and consumer protection.

Meanwhile, the National Anti-Scams Taskforce, comprising Government, regulators, and consumer advocates, convened its first meeting for the 2025/2026 financial year, reaffirming its commitment to lead the upcoming National Scams Awareness Week 2025.

The year’s campaign is spearheaded by the Consumer Council of Fiji with valuable support from the Pacific Digital Economy Programme, a joint initiative by UN Capital Development Fund, UN Development Programme, and UN Trade and Development, funded by the Governments of Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union.

Consumer Council of Fiji says the alarming rise in scams and fraud across Fiji demands urgent and unified action.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Manoa Kamikamica also emphasised that the Government, through its partnership with UNCDF and the Council, is currently reviewing and enhancing Fiji’s legislative and institutional frameworks around digital fraud and consumer protection – a pivotal step to better address emerging threats.