Warning Issued On Scam Calls Impersonating Cybercrime Unit

A disturbing new scam has come to light in which fraudsters are impersonating officers of the Fiji Police Force Cybercrime Unit to deceive unsuspecting individuals. In one reported case, the victim was told over the phone that her mobile number had been mistakenly placed on a list and that she needed to provide personal details in order to get her number out of system. She was then sent a link and instructed to click on it.

The scammer called back shortly thereafter, falsely claiming her bank account had been blocked. Under the guise of "unblocking" it, he deceived her into surrendering her login credentials, which he then used to gain access and drain the account of all its funds. Adding to the distress, the scammer also took over her personal Facebook account and began messaging her friends, asking them to send money via mobile wallet, under the false pretence that she was in trouble.

The Consumer Council of Fiji wishes to remind the public that genuine authorities, including the Fiji Police Force and the Cybercrime Unit, will never request login credentials, banking details, or other personal information over the phone, or ask people to click on any links. Official representatives will only communicate through appropriate channels and, if required, speak to individuals in person.

Commenting on the matter, Council CEO Seema Shandil stated, “It is truly frightening and concerning at the same time to see that scammers in Fiji have become so bold and fearless. People need to be extra vigilant, and be aware that using persons in authority is a common tactic used by scammers all across the world. It is time for people to realize that sophisticated scams have become a part of everyday life, and anyone can be a victim.”

Consumers should be alert to the fact that scammers are adopting increasingly bold tactics, even misusing the name of the Fiji Police Force to create a false sense of legitimacy. People are urged not to be fooled by such threats and to exercise caution when receiving unexpected calls requesting confidential details.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted by such a scam should stop engaging with the caller immediately, report the incident to the Fiji Police Force, and contact their financial institution if sensitive information has been disclosed.

For further information or advice, consumers are urged to call the toll-free National Consumer Helpline 155, or lodge a complaint via complaints@consumersfiji.org.

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