SCAMMING ALERT!
IN FIJI, THERE ARE CASES BEFORE THE COURT WHERE INDIVIDUALS ARE BEING PROSECUTED The Consumer Council of Fiji has outlined on its website some tips and questions you need to ask yourself if the message is fake or genuine.
The Fiji Police Force, in one of its updates on Facebook, yesterday advised the general public to be mindful of online scammers.
Across the globe, this form of criminal activity is evident. A significant amount of money is lost.
In the US, Online daters lost a record US$547 million scams in 2021 according to CNBC, a world leader in business news and real-time financial market coverage. That’s more than $1 billion Fijian dollars!
Closer to home, Australia’s online media company, news.com.au, yesterday highlighted how jobseekers were being warned after millions lost to getrich-quick scams in 2022.
“Young people in particular are being warned to protect their personal information while applying for jobs after more than AU$8.7m (about FJ$13.05) was lost to recruitment scams in 2022,” it said.
It added that a whopping 3194 reports of job scams were made to Scamwatch in the past year, with many of the victims lured on the promise of making money quickly.
In Fiji, there are cases before the court where individuals are being prosecuted for the same.
Yet more often than not, perpetrators get away with it because the scammer(is) so convincing that it’s hard not to be gullible.
At the end of the day, when the deed is done, the victims are left to cope with the reality which becomes not only financially draining but affects their mental state.
As relevant stakeholders and authorities intensify efforts to curb this problem locally and internationally, the onus is on individuals and companies to be alert, or better still, be educated about how identify a scammer.
The statement from Police is timely as we enter into 2023 supposedly with our resolutions to keep in check.
This is especially so if budgeting, exploring innovative business opportunities or just living within your means is at the top of your resolution list.
In the statement, Police said: “Members of the public are advised about active fraudulent activities through online platforms.
“The messages are received via the WhatsApp platform from an international number proposing a business partnership with large profit returns.
“The following screenshots are likely messages you will receive, and we are urging Fijians not to release any personal information or send money to unknown persons and delete the messages from their phones or gadgets.”
So how can you know if you’re being scammed?
The Consumer Council of Fiji has come up with some tips and questions you need to ask yourself if the message is fake or genuine.
Warning signs
• You have never heard of the charity before, or it is wellknown but you suspect the website, email or letter may be fake. A fake website may look almost identical to a legitimate charity site, changing only the details of where to send donations.
• The person collecting donations on behalf of the charity does not have any identification. Remember, even if they do have identification, it could be forged or meaningless.
• You are put under pressure or made to feel guilty or selfish if you do not want to donate.
• You are asked to provide a cash donation as they do not accept cheques or other mediums or payment. Or, they want the cheque to be made out to them rather than to the charity.
You are not given a receipt. Or, they give you a receipt that does not have the charity’s details on it.
• Pressure to give right now. A legitimate charity will welcome your donation whenever you choose to make it. •
How to protect yourself
• Approach charity organisations directly to make a donation or offer support.
• Check the organisation’s name and look them up. Check the website address to make sure it is the same as what you searched for.
Legitimate charities are registered.
Never send money or give personal • • • • • information, credit card details or online account details to anyone you do not know or trust.
If you are approached by a street collector, ask to see their identification. If you have any doubts about who they are, do not pay. If you are approached in person, ask the collector for details about the charity such as its full name, address and how the proceeds will be used. If they become defensive and cannot answer your questions, close the door.
Avoid any arrangement with a stranger that asks for up-front payment via money order, wire transfer or international funds transfer. It is rare to recover money sent this way.
Consumer tip – Keep scammers’ tricks in mind
• Do not let anyone rush you into making a donation. That is something scammers do.
Some scammers try to trick you into paying them by thanking you for a donation that you never made.
Some scammers use names that sound a lot like the names of real charities. This is one reason it important to do some research before giving.
Scammers make lots of vague and sentimental claims but give no specifics about how your donation will be used.
Bogus organisations may claim that your donation is tax-deductible when it is not. • • • •
Do you think that you have been scammed?
If yes, contact the Consumer Council of Fiji on our toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app.