A suspected new pyramid scheme affecting consumers across the Pacific Islands is under investigation in New Zealand, as regulators warn that the operation appears to be spreading through online platforms and social media networks.
New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has confirmed it has opened an investigation into SFCVIBE Rating, following reports that the scheme is operating through digital platforms and recruiting participants using referral links.
The company has offices in Christchurch’s Riccarton and Auckland’s Manukau, and presents itself as an internet advertising service, according to the NZ Herald.
Kaniva News, following confirmation of the Commerce Commission’s investigation, notes that some posts recently circulating on Tongan Facebook pages appeared to promote the scheme, although they provided limited information and mainly invited interested individuals to contact the people sharing the posts directly.
Simon Pope, the Commission’s head of fair trading and product safety investigations, said the scheme raises serious red flags.
“The scheme involves the recruitment of others,” Pope said.
“It requires new participants to join via a referral link and to pay a subscription or deposit before starting work.”
Pope said these characteristics are commonly associated with pyramid or multi‑level recruitment schemes, where returns rely heavily on bringing in new participants rather than providing genuine services.
A search of social media platforms shows users actively promoting SFCVIBE Rating, often advertising it as an easy online income opportunity.
SFCVIBE Rating has offices in Christchurch’s Riccarton and Auckland’s Manukau, presents itself as an internet advertising service.
Fiji Issues Parallel Warning
Meanwhile, authorities in Fiji have also raised alarms about the same platform.
The Consumer Council of Fiji has warned the public to be extremely cautious about an online operation using the name SFCVIBE Rating Limited, saying evidence suggests it is a sophisticated task‑based pyramid scheme designed to defraud consumers.
According to the Consumer Council, the platform allegedly lures users with promises of high payouts for performing simple online activities. However, participants are reportedly required to pay upfront monthly subscription fees to unlock higher work levels — a pattern commonly seen in fraudulent schemes.
The Council said the operation bears similarities to past scams in the region, including the eBayShop scheme, which cost Pacific consumers significant financial losses before collapsing.
Growing Risk for Pacific Communities
Consumer watchdogs say the case highlights the increasing risks facing Pacific communities, particularly as online schemes operate across borders and spread quickly through social media and diaspora networks.
Regulators are reminding consumers across the Pacific to be cautious of online platforms that promise unusually high returns for minimal effort, require upfront fees or deposits to access work, rely heavily on recruiting friends or family through referral links, and are promoted mainly through social media rather than verifiable, official business channels, warning that these are common red flags associated with pyramid schemes and online scams.
Both New Zealand and Fiji authorities are urging anyone who may have invested money or been approached to join the scheme to seek advice and report concerns to their local consumer protection agencies.
The Commerce Commission confirmed its investigation is ongoing, and said further updates will be provided if enforcement action is taken.
Earlier Pacific Scam Warnings
The latest investigation follows recent scam warnings issued in both Tonga and New Zealand over BG Wealth Sharing, an online scheme that authorities said displayed characteristics of a pyramid or investment scam.
In those cases, regulators warned that the operation promoted unrealistic returns, relied heavily on recruitment through social media and personal networks, and required participants to contribute money upfront.
The warnings highlighted growing concern among Pacific authorities about online schemes spreading rapidly across borders and targeting island communities through diaspora and family connections.
