Consumers seeking employment opportunities overseas are being urged to exercise extreme caution when engaging with migration and recruitment services advertised through social media platforms.

The Consumer Council of Fiji has noted that scammers operating online often lure consumers with promises of quick and easy migration assistance, guaranteed overseas jobs or fast-tracked opportunities.

Consumers are asked to pay upfront fees, only for the operators to cease communication once payment has been made.

Two such cases involving an operator using the name Austral Migration have recently come to the Council’s attention.

In these cases, individuals representing the agency allegedly collected money from consumers while claiming to recruit workers and guaranteeing overseas employment. One consumer paid $189 in initial fees, while another paid $178, after being told that an employment offer letter would be provided.

According to the complaints received by the Council, communication ceased after the payments were made.

The Council is warning consumers not to mistake a convincing social media presence for proof that a migration or recruitment provider is legitimate. A professional-looking Facebook page, advertisements, testimonials or other online material should not, on their own, be treated as confirmation that a provider or employment opportunity is genuine.

Consumers should also be particularly cautious when asked to make upfront payments or when promised guaranteed visas or overseas employment. The Council reminds consumers that they should be wary of any arrangement requiring payment simply for the promise of securing a job.

“People seeking employment overseas are often making significant financial decisions based on the hope of securing better opportunities for themselves and their families. Before making any payment, consumers must verify the service, the organisation and the person they are dealing with. If you have doubts, do not pay until you have independently checked that the offer is genuine,” said Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Seema Shandil.

Consumers who have dealt with Austral Migration and have concerns about payments made or services received are encouraged to contact the Council. Consumers who have made payments through M-PAiSA or MyCash should also promptly report suspicious transactions to their respective service providers.

The Council urges all consumers to STOP, CHECK and VERIFY before paying for migration, visa, recruitment or overseas employment services.

Consumers can contact the Consumer Council of Fiji through the National Consumer Helpline on 155 or email [email protected]