iPhone users being targeted in new scam - Anti–Scam Taskforce

The Anti–Scam Taskforce is urgently warning members of the public, particularly iPhone users, to remain vigilant against a new and deceitful scam being circulated through Apple’s iMessage platform.

They say the message, purportedly from "Seek HR Management”, falsely claims to offer highly suspicious remote assistant positions with unrealistic earnings of $200 to $1,500 per day for just 15 minutes of work, along with claims about Bitcoin ATM installations in Suva and Lautoka.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, and the Chair of the Taskforce, Manoa Kamikamica says this is not just a consumer issue, it is a national issue.

Kamikamica says we cannot allow criminal actors to exploit digital platforms to deceive our citizens.

He says these criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate, but their goal remains the same - to defraud hardworking Fijians.

The Deputy Prime Minister is urging people to be extremely vigilant with unsolicited job offers, particularly those requiring personal financial information or upfront payments.

He asks people to always verify any opportunity through official channels before responding and is also urging all Fijians to report such messages to the relevant authorities immediately.

Kamikamica says it is through vigilance and collaboration that we will protect our communities.

Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil is urging Fijians to exercise extreme caution, refrain from engaging with the message, and under no circumstances respond or add the sender on WhatsApp.

Shandil says this is a textbook scam designed to exploit the curiosity and financial aspirations of our people.

She says the promise of easy money for minimal work is not just unrealistic, it’s bait, once hooked, consumers may be manipulated into sharing personal information, sending money, or unknowingly participating in illegal activity.

The CEO is asking all Fijians to remain cautious, educate their families about these threats, and report any suspicious communications immediately.

The Anti-Scam Taskforce members are working closely to monitor such threats and coordinate timely responses.