The rising threat of online scams, combined with the growing numbers of internet users in the Pacific, has created an urgent need to strengthen digital defenses and protect communities from fraudulent online activities. In response, Fiji became the first Pacific country to organise a National Anti-Scam Awareness Week, which took place in Suva from August 26th to August 30th. This event provided a platform for educating the public on the various types of scams and equipping them with the knowledge to protect themselves.
The Anti-Scam Awareness Week featured a series of workshops, seminars, and public dialogues aimed at empowering individuals and communities to recognise, report, and prevents scams. The initiative was a collaborative effort led by the Fiji’s Consumer Council (CCF) and the Anti-Scam Taskforce members, which includes the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs and Communications, and the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, with support from the United Nations Capital Development Fund.
To ensure the initiative’s success, the Pacific Digital Economy Programme provided expertise, guidance and funding. Speaking at the event, UNCDF Regional Programme Manager, Mr Ali Akram, emphasised the importance of creating a digital environment where everyone can participate safely. He remarked, “online scams undermine trust in digital systems and can have devastating impacts on individuals and communities”.
Mr Jese Waqabitu, Research and Debt Management Officer at CCF, highlighted the specific types of scams affecting Fijian consumers, such as investment scams, phishing schemes, and rental scams, noting the urgent need for public awareness.
Adding to the discussion, Mr Zarak Khan, Director of Programmes and Initiatives at Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, underscored the scale of the issue. He pointed out that Scam Watch in Australia reported that the digital and financial scams for Australia in the first half of 2024 resulted in approximately USD86 million in losses. Mr Khan urged all levels of society to take proactive measures to combat the growing threats of online scams in the region.
This initiative is expected to not only raise awareness of scam prevention but also encourage proactive measures to tackle the critical challenges facing the Pacific’s digital ecosystem. Communities must remain vigilant, particularly in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
Simple measures you can take to prevent scams:
- Upsize your passwords so they’re long, strong and hard to crack
- Upgrade to two-factor authentication so your online accounts have double protection
- Update your apps and software to keep bugs and viruses out
- Uphold your privacy to keep your personal information secure
- Upscale your data and systems backup and testing
- Uplift your data security to protect against unauthorized access
For more information: https://pacson.org/cyber-smart-pacific/cyber-smart-pacific-2023