The collapse of the eBayShop “click a button” app Ponzi scheme has had a significant impact on Fiji. In response, the government has taken action to address the situation.
eBayShop was a typical example of a fraudulent “ecommerce” scheme known as a “click a button” app Ponzi. Investors were deceived into believing that clicking a button in the app would result in eBay orders. Supposedly, these orders would generate revenue, which would then be shared with the investors.
In reality, there were no actual orders, and there are other similar “click a button” app Ponzi schemes, such as WishM, FFST Group, and DFMall, that have used the same deceitful tactics.
Following the collapse of eBayShop, the Fiji government has confirmed an ongoing investigation into the Ponzi scheme. The Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications is issuing a warning to the people of Fiji about the increasing prevalence of fraudulent schemes in the country. To address these threats, the Ministry has established a Multi-Interagency Taskforce comprised of various agencies, including the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Consumer Council of Fiji, Reserve Bank of Fiji, and Fiji Police Force.
Unfortunately, “click a button” app Ponzis are typically operated by Chinese scammers based in Asia, making it unlikely that any Fijian investigation will result in arrests overseas. However, Fijian authorities can focus on local promoters who helped spread eBayShop across Fiji. It remains to be seen if anyone will be held accountable for their involvement in the scheme.