Fiji’s National Provident Fund will be pursuing legal action against an individual claiming to be an FNPF agent, accused of misleading members and the general public about the distribution of unclaimed pension funds “causing unnecessary fear and panic.”
Fund CEO Viliame Vodonaivalu said it was not the first time they have received complaints against the individual who had been warned on previous occasions. He has also cautioned members and the general public to refrain from sharing their account information with anyone claiming to be an FNPF agent.
“FNPF does not have any agents,” Vodonaivalu said. “Members have come back to us, alleging that this individual is also assisting members with withdrawal applications, and digital platforms registration, amongst others. They need to realize the gravity of the situation – especially when entrusting someone with information that is confidential.
“If it is information you want, talk to one of our staff. The Fund has high expectations of staff in terms of members’ financial information but for someone going rogue in the community, we have no control over the usage of the information he or she has gained.”
Vodonaivalu said they needed to take legal action to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Unclaimed funds list contains names of members in the following three categories:
(1) Deceased Members: members whose nominees are yet to claim their share.
(2) Further Payments: members whose accounts were credited with further contributions after they fully withdrew their savings.
(3) Dormant Accounts: members who are now over the age of 65 years and whose accounts have remained inactive for the past 10 years.
The Unclaimed funds listing was published in the newspapers and social media in February (2022) and are also available on the FNPF website. These members’ funds are transferred to Unclaimed because they have not been contactable nor have their relatives come forward to claim their funds. The requirements to claim these funds are also updated on the FNPF website.
