Anti-Scam Taskforce Alerts Public to TikTok Based Investment Scheme
July 16, 2025
The Anti-Scam Taskforce is alerting the public to a series of TikTok videos that is luring Fijians
into what appears to be a high risk online “business opportunity” disguised as a legitimate
overseas investment. Circulating widely on social media, the scheme encourages individuals
to pay upfront joining and subscription fees with promises of fast, passive income and weekly
earnings. It uses trendy buzzwords like “spillover” and promotes the idea that financial success
can be achieved simply by recruiting others.
What makes this particularly dangerous is that the scheme is disguised as a multi level
marketing scheme that utilizes health products as a means of creating value. However, the
model heavily relies on recruitment of others as a key source of income, an approach that
closely resembles pyramid style schemes. Consumers are pressured to act quickly, often being
told to “pay first” or “message to join,” without receiving transparent information upfront.
While it may appear appealing during tough economic times, such setups are unsustainable and
often collapse, leaving newer recruits at a financial loss.
It is also concerning that the scheme’s promoters say they are based in New Zealand, yet appear
to be aggressively targeting Fijians rather than its domestic market (offering the program to
their own local population), which raises further suspicions.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises and Communications, and Chair of the Anti-Scam Taskforce, Honourable Manoa
Kamikamica, stressed the urgent need for public awareness. “Digital scammers are getting
smarter, bolder, and more creative,” he said. “These scams play on people’s hopes and financial
anxieties. If a stranger online is offering you easy money with no effort and encouraging you
to recruit others to earn more, stop right there. If it looks too good to be true, it most definitely
is.”
Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, Ms. Seema Shandil, also issued a strong warning. “Social
media has become the new playground for scammers. Platforms like TikTok, and AI
technology, are being used to spread fastmoving frauds, especially targeting younger and
digitally active users,” she said. “Consumers must be cautious. If someone is asking you to
invest money with vague promises or unclear details, question everything. Real investments
are transparent, regulated, and never rely on how many people you bring in.”
Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission CEO, Ms. Senikavika Jiuta, added that the
public must remain vigilant. “What we are witnessing is the evolution of scams into
sophisticated digital traps, with everyday Fijians especially vulnerable, since these are carefully
engineered to exploit our trusting nature and bypass any suspicions,” she said. “These are not
random acts, they are calculated attempts to defraud you. Never take anything at face value and
always verify directly with the relevant authorities. We are tracking patterns, identifying
offenders, and working with our partners in the Anti-Scam Taskforce to ensure those
responsible are held to account. But no regulation can replace personal caution, so please think
before you click, share, or invest.”
Unlike traditional scams, this one is wrapped in engaging video content, short, sharp, and
persuasive. It thrives on shares, likes, and silence. The more it spreads, the more victims it
claims. The Taskforce is now considering cross border investigations and is also calling on
social media users to report such content directly through platform tools to help curb its reach.
Fijians are strongly urged not to engage, not to forward such videos, and not to contribute
financially to schemes that rely on secrecy and pressure. Anyone who believes they’ve been
targeted or fallen victim to this scam should contact the Consumer Council of Fiji by emailing
complaints@consumersfiji.org or by calling the toll-free helpline at 155