FCCC says scams target elderly

Source: The Fiji Times
Author: Jake Wise

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has issued a stern caution to the public regarding a series of online scams purporting to offer free government-sponsored medical insurance or similar benefits.

These scams are mainly targeting Fijian seniors and have been identified as a growing concern, prompting FCCC to raise awareness and advise against engaging with such offers.

FCCC chief executive officer Joel Abraham said people must never click on any links or buttons in unverified ads as these are tactics used by scammers to phish for personal information or install harmful software on your devices.

He said these scams are disseminated through various social media platforms and websites, luring unsuspecting individuals with promises of free health insurance coverage.

The allure of purported benefits prompts recipients to click on links, leading them to fraudulent websites designed to collect personal information.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs, and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, also reiterated Government's commitment to combating such fraudulent activities through its multi-agency taskforce.

However, he emphasised the importance of individual vigilance, urging citizens to exercise caution when encountering online advertisements and to refrain from interacting with suspicious links.

"Official communication regarding government programs will come through verified channels, such as the Fiji Government and its ministries' social media pages and will include clear contact information from the respective ministry or government body," Mr Kamikamica said.

"Please double check through our official channels before you give out any personal information. It is up to you as citizens to remain vigilant against these deceptive tactics, which can result in financial losses and personal distress."

"The true threat of these scam advertisements is how sophisticated they are," Mr Abraham said.

"You can be easily misled if you do not do your due diligence, which is why we urge the public to always be sceptical of such offers. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."