Consumers Warned Against “SFCVIBE” Task-Based Pyramid Scheme

The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning members of the public to exercise extreme caution over an online platform known as SFCVIBE Rating Limited, which it says shows strong signs of being a task-based pyramid scheme.

The Council said recent investigations indicate the platform is designed to defraud users by promising high returns for completing simple online tasks, such as rating and reviewing movies.

According to the Council, participants are required to pay upfront subscription or deposit fees in order to unlock different work levels — a key warning sign of a scam operation.

The scheme reportedly operates on a “pay-to-earn” model, where users must first send money before being allowed to complete tasks. The Council stressed that legitimate employment opportunities do not require entry fees.

Investigators say the platform also uses tiered membership and VIP levels to encourage users to deposit larger sums in exchange for supposedly higher returns. Recruitment incentives are also heavily promoted, with members urged to bring in new participants to earn commissions.

The Council noted that this structure mirrors other click-and-earn and task-based schemes that have previously collapsed, leaving many victims with financial losses.

Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil said such scams are increasingly targeting people seeking secondary income online.

She warned that if people are asked to pay money in order to get work, it is likely a scam, adding that these platforms typically fail once new member recruitment slows down.

The public is being urged to stop making payments to the platform immediately and not to send additional funds, even if told the money is required for tax or account verification purposes.

Anyone who has already made payments is advised to contact the Consumer Council of Fiji through its toll-free line 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org

Victims who used mobile money services such as M-PAiSA or MyCash are also encouraged to report transaction details to their service providers.