Scam in FijiOn the street
Invitation to an isolated place in Fiji
How it works
Someone offers to show you something, such as a ship from your country. They lead you away to isolate you and put you in a vulnerable position. Robbery may follow.
Warning signs
- A stranger offers to show you a ship from your country.
- They insist you follow them elsewhere.
- The route takes you away from other people.
How to avoid it
- Decline sightseeing invitations from strangers who approach you.
- Stay in public places with other people around.
- Do not follow someone just because they mention your home country.
If it happens to you
Return to a busy public place if you can do so safely. If threatened, do not resist over belongings. Report any robbery to police.
- Get somewhere safe. If threatened, do not fight over money or belongings.
- Seek medical help promptly if you are injured or have been assaulted.
- Block stolen cards and secure any accounts accessible from a stolen phone.
- Write down what happened. Keep receipts, messages, payment records and useful identifying details.
- Report the incident to police. Ask for a report reference or written record if available.
- Contact your insurer. If your passport was stolen, contact your embassy or consulate for help replacing it.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
Questions
What is the invitation to an isolated place scam in Fiji?
Someone offers to show you something, such as a ship from your country. They lead you away to isolate you and put you in a vulnerable position. Robbery may follow.
How can I spot it early?
A stranger offers to show you a ship from your country. They insist you follow them elsewhere. The route takes you away from other people.
How do I avoid invitation to an isolated place in Fiji?
Decline sightseeing invitations from strangers who approach you. Stay in public places with other people around. Do not follow someone just because they mention your home country.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Return to a busy public place if you can do so safely. If threatened, do not resist over belongings. Report any robbery to police.
Where in Fiji does this happen?
Suva. It has been reported in Suva.
How common is this scam in Fiji?
Occasional. Tourist scams in Fiji include overpriced souvenirs, pushy sellers, misleading free offers and taxi fares that cost more than a metered ride. Pickpocketing and petty theft also occur, while more serious robbery is a concern after dark, especially in Suva and the outer suburbs of Suva and Nadi.
Are there similar scams in Fiji?
Yes: misleading free offers.
Who can I report it to?
Police in Nadi: there is a police station in the centre of Queens Road. Take any receipts, incident notes and identifying details you have. Local police elsewhere in Fiji: report theft, robbery, threats or assault to local police. Ask hotel staff to help you find a station if needed. Police responses can sometimes be limited. Village chief: if a small item has been taken as borrowing in a village, speak with the chief. They may help arrange its return. Card issuer or bank: use its official app or verified contact details to block stolen cards and report unauthorised payments. Travel insurer: use the claims or assistance contact in your policy. Keep receipts and any police report details. Your embassy or consulate: use its official contact details for help with a stolen passport or a serious incident.
Reviewed by @snuck