Fiji: Urgent Public Warning: Bitcoin ATM Job Scam Targeting Fijians

Scoop

2 days ago

The Anti – Scam Taskforce (Taskforce) is urgently warning members of the public, particularly iPhone users, to remain vigilant against a new and deceitful scam being circulated through Apple's iMessage platform. The message, purportedly from "Seek HR Management', falsely claims to offer highly suspicious remote assistant positions with unrealistic earnings of FJD $200 to $1,500 per day for just 15 minutes of work, along with claims about Bitcoin ATM installations in Suva and Lautoka. It is a deliberate attempt to lure unsuspecting consumers into fraudulent schemes under the guise of job recruitment.
The scam message reads:
'Hello everyone, I'm the HR manager at Seek. We are installing Bitcoin ATMs in cities like Suva and Lautoka, and we are currently hiring 20 remote assistants. This job requires about 15 minutes of work each day, with a salary ranging from 200 to 1500 FJD per day. If you'd like to learn more about the job details, please add me on WhatsApp: [phone]. '
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications and the Chair of the Taskforce, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, expressed grave concern over the rise of digital scam operations targeting everyday Fijians. 'This is not just a consumer issue—it is a national issue. We cannot allow criminal actors to exploit digital platforms to deceive our citizens,' said Hon. Kamikamica.
'These criminals are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics to appear legitimate, but their goal remains the same, to defraud hardworking Fijians. I urge all citizens to be extremely vigilant with unsolicited job offers, particularly those requiring personal financial information or upfront payments. Always verify any opportunity through official channels before responding, and we also urge all Fijians to report such messages to the relevant authorities immediately. It is through vigilance and collaboration that we will protect our communities.'
On behalf of the Taskforce, the Council is urging all consumers to exercise extreme caution, refrain from engaging with the message, and under no circumstances respond or add the sender on WhatsApp. 'This is a textbook scam designed to exploit the curiosity and financial aspirations of our people,' said Council CEO Seema Shandil. 'The promise of easy money for minimal work is not just unrealistic—it's bait. Once hooked, consumers may be manipulated into sharing personal information, sending money, or unknowingly participating in illegal activity. We implore all Fijians to remain cautious, educate their families about these threats, and report any suspicious communications immediately.'
The Anti-Scam Taskforce members are working closely to monitor such threats and coordinate timely responses. Consumers are reminded that legitimate job offers will never ask for contact via unofficial channels such as WhatsApp messages or offer unrealistic wages for little to no work. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Scams thrive in silence — speaking up protects not just you, but others around you. If you have received this message or believe you may have shared information with the scammer, contact the Consumer Council of Fiji immediately via toll-free number 155 or email [e-mail].