Major anti-scam drive

A NATIONAL anti-scam awareness drive will be undertaken by the Ministry of Trade and Cooperative’s Anti-Scam Taskforce to help raise the visibility of the problem.

Responding to questions sent by The Fiji Times, the taskforce indicated the proposal of various mediums and mechanisms, such as increasing digital literacy training, to help educate people on scams.

“We are intending to have an anti-scam week, tentatively end of April/first week of May, whereby we do mass awareness around Fiji,” said a statement from the taskforce.

“But there is on-going continuous targeted awareness that is happening.

“Our agency has also participated on radio and TV (television) talkback shows.

“Telcos (telecommunication companies) are upgrading their apps and platforms to enhance the security features is a welcome move.

“There is also more awareness that needs to be done using online platforms that have a far- and wide-reaching audience.”

The taskforce is advising citizens to makee the effort to be responsible as well. “Educate yourself and be aware.” It suggested “simple yet effective measures” that consumers can use to protect themselves online, such as refraining from sharing personal details, passwords or special codes.

“Don’t send money without asking questions, report any suspicious calls or texts to the Police, Vodafone or Digicel.

“Keep yourself informed on latest trends and scams.

“For online scams, different agencies within the taskforce are undertaking their own monitoring in their respective areas.”

The taskforce noted the stronger collaboration now among consumer protection agencies and enforcement agencies.

“These agencies have taken steps to reach out to their equivalent bodies and sister agencies in Australia and New Zealand.”