Taskforce to ensure the alleged masterminds of EbayShop Online Recruitment scam will be taken to task - Kamikamica

Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica says investigations into EbayShop Online Recruitment scheme have been underway by a Multi-Interagency Taskforce, and the alleged masterminds that have been manipulating the public will be taken to task.

Kamikamica says the relevant enforcement agencies, such as the FCCC, and the Fiji Police Force have been pursuing this matter, based on the complaints that have been received.

All complaints being received by the FCCC and Consumer Council are being referred to the Police, to assist them in their investigation.

The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications is also issuing an urgent advisory to the people of Fiji regarding the increasing prevalence of fraudulent schemes in Fiji, and particularly alarming are the ongoing scams perpetrated by the notorious EbayShop Online Recruitment scheme.

Kamikamica says in response to these threats, the Ministry has taken proactive steps to safeguard Fijians’ financial wellbeing and security.

The Multi-Interagency Taskforce is chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, which comprises the FCCC; Consumer Council of Fiji; Reserve Bank of Fiji and Fiji Police Force. Kamikamica says the EbayShop Online Recruitment is a scam and such fraudulent activities must stop now.

He says we cannot allow the people of Fiji to continue to fall into the trap of these unscrupulous people and face financial turmoil.

Kamikamica says it is imperative that we learn from this unfortunate incident and work collectively to ensure that similar scams do not take place.

The Deputy Prime Minister says the Reserve Bank of Fiji had issued a warning to the public against such scams on 1st September 2023.

FCCC CEO, Joel Abraham says investigations into EbayShop had started in July.

He says FCCC had commenced investigations into EbayShop had started months earlier and they are able to verify that EbayShop has no affiliation with the International Ebay organisation and neither was Ebay licensed by the Reserve Bank of Fiji.

Abraham says FCCC has actively gathered evidence from the outset, conducted interviews, and scrutinised the alleged activities associated with the scheme.

The first complaint was received on 11th September, and so far, 5 complaints and 6 enquiries have been received in total, collectively reporting losses totalling $33,640.00.

Abraham says now that they have received the first complaints on this scheme, they anticipate the emergence of further evidence and information that can aid in the ongoing investigation.

He says they will work with the Fiji Police Force to investigate and ensure that those responsible will be held accountable.

The taskforce is also aware of another scam that is happening through M-PAiSA fraudulent activities that is, misleading the public.

Kamikamica says in these fraudulent cases, individuals have received text messages notifying them of unauthorised withdrawals from their M-PAiSA accounts at supermarket outlets, all without the need for identification or the entry of the one-time password codes.

He is pleading to the people of Fiji to remain vigilant against these deceptive tactics, which can result in financial losses and personal distress.

Kamikamica is asking people to please take heed of the advice from the relevant agencies.

Council CEO, Seema Shandil has requested the members of the public to come forward to lodge an official complaint against EbayShop or any fraudulent activities to them.

Shandil says as the principal consumer advocacy organization, they had issued multiple warnings against this scam to the public over the last few months.

She is happy that an interagency taskforce has been established and swift investigations have already commenced.

Shandil says in order to systematically map out the structure of the EbayShop Online Recruitment scheme and identify the key orchestrators, they need consumers to step up and come forward with any details which they may have. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to the EbayShop Online Recruitment pyramid scheme or any other fraudulent activities or have any related information that will assist the enforcement agencies, please contact Consumer Council of Fiji on 155 or Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on 8921991.

FCCC and Consumer Council are not commenting on whether an estimated $14 million was involved in the scam.