Fijians may have lost $3.6 million in the “EbayShop Online Recruiting scam”, a taskforce formed to investigate the matter announced yesterday.

The Consumer Council of Fiji, Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Fiji Police Force have received 1700 individual complaints valued at $3.6 million.

“We are thankful that people are now made aware of the scam and have come forward to lodge their complaints with the relevant authorities,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica said.

The Reserve Bank of Fiji in partnership with Fiji Intelligence Unit, Fiji Revenue and Customs

Service and the telecommunication companies had started investigations into the scam.

“Once RBF establishes the facts surrounding where the money is being circulated to whether it’s offshore or in different wallets, we would be in a better position to advise the way forward,” said RBF governor Ariff Ali.

Vodafone Fiji and Digicel Fiji reaffirmed their support and desire to working with the taskforce.