Anti-Scam Taskforce investigates case where fraudsters are targeting parents who received $200 assistance

The Anti-Scam Taskforce is investigating the case where fraudsters are now targeting the parents who received $200 back-to-school assistance.

Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica says reports are being received by the members of the Taskforce and investigations are underway.

He says they are pleading to the general public to not share their personal details, passwords, or sensitive information with anyone and always check and ask questions.

Kamikamica says the Taskforce has also received reports of fraudsters impersonating high-level Government officials and prominent members of the community to obtain financial gains.

Meanwhile, the Ministry says the first Anti-Scam Taskforce meeting was held yesterday where increasing scam detection, surveillance, strengthening institutional frameworks, legal reforms and targeted awareness were key discussion items.

The Taskforce says they are committed to equipping every single individual, whether it is a business owner, consumer, a retired citizen, the working class or even students with the knowledge and training to recognise, report and avoid falling victim to scams.

They say more awareness will be raised, to empower communities who are the most vulnerable to combat scams through a comprehensive educational initiative.

They say they are also exploring technology measures in partnership with the telecommunication providers.

Kamikamica says scams are manifesting in various forms, from social engineering techniques through emails (phishing) and text messages (smishing), to the impersonation of reputable executives to transferring funds with mobile wallets such as M-PAiSA and MyCash.

He says they are noticing frequent occurrences of new scams being revealed and are encouraging and urging the public to keep themselves informed by simply watching the news and following the media and press releases from official sources such as Fiji Government page, FPF, CCoF and FCCC.

Permanent Secretary for Communications, Shaheen Ali says future work of the Taskforce will include proposed legislative strengthen, entering into partnership with Australia and New Zealand to increase competence and expertise to monitor and combat scams and organising an anti-scam awareness week targeting students and youth.

For more information or to report fraudulent activities or have any related information that will assist the enforcement agencies, please contact the Consumer Council of Fiji on 155 or the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on 8921991.