Fiji police probe scam selling fake overseas jobs to 300 people

Police in Fiji are investigating a scam where over 300 people reportedly paid $100 each for promised overseas jobs that did not exist. More than 50 victims arrived at Nadi International Airport on Saturday expecting to depart, but found no flight bookings had been made. An affected individual said a woman based in New Zealand allegedly collected payments via M-PAiSA from February, promising fruit-picking and other work in Australia. The first group was repeatedly delayed before being told to travel last Saturday, with some people resigning from jobs in anticipation. The Employment Ministry urged Fijians to report recruitment fees to Police, stating the Government does not charge for its labour mobility programmes with Australia and New Zealand. Officials advised verifying offers with the Ministry before making payments.