A pattern of online scams long familiar to many Tongans has taken a new turn, prompting fresh warnings after links emerged involving rugby circles.
The New Zealand Herald reported on Saturday morning that former New Zealand Under‑20 representative and current Tongan international Tau Koloamatangi has been accused of scamming people out of thousands of dollars through the sale of match‑worn rugby jerseys.
The report alleges that Koloamatangi, who has previously played provincial rugby for Waikato and Otago and competed for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby Pacific, advertised the jerseys through social media and online marketplace platforms.
According to the allegations, once payments were made, communication reportedly stopped and the buyers were blocked.
Online scams of this kind are not unfamiliar to the Tongan community.
Last year, members of the Tongan diaspora took to social media, particularly Facebook, to voice frustration over what they alleged was an online scam involving the advertisement of Kahoa Heilala Fakatau.
The service claimed it would provide floral necklaces for Tongans living overseas who paid deposits online and planned to collect the kāhoa upon arriving in Tonga for cultural events or celebrations.
However, complainants alleged that upon arrival, the promised items were not provided, excuses were repeatedly given, and refunds were never issued.
Kaniva Tonga News also reported on similar online scams last year, including an allegedly fraudulent service that advertised pig‑roasting services for events.
Customers claimed they made advance payments, only to be met with repeated excuses when they arrived to collect the pigs, which were never provided.
