Protecting Our Pacific Communities Online

Investigating suspicious websites. Exposing online risks. Protecting our communities.

The Cyber Watch Committee is committed to helping protect people, businesses and communities across Vanuatu and the wider Pacific from suspicious online activities, misleading advertising and potentially harmful websites.

Our work involves independent research, digital investigations, monitoring suspicious online activity and communicating with relevant parties to help reduce risks to the public.

Our Investigation: Nine Pacific Vehicle Sales Websites

Through detailed research and analysis, the Cyber Watch Committee identified a network of nine vehicle sales websites targeting Vanuatu and other Pacific Island communities.

These websites appeared to have operated for approximately ten years and contained highly suspicious advertisements and other content that raised serious concerns about their legitimacy and purpose.

The websites investigated were:

Website Country or Territory

vanuatucarsales.com Vanuatu

tongacars.com Tonga

samoacars.com Samoa

timorcarsales.com Timor-Leste

pngautos.com Papua New Guinea

guamcarsales.com Guam

autonoumea.com New Caledonia

autofenua.com French Polynesia

solomonscars.com Solomon Islands

From Investigation to Action

The Cyber Watch Committee conducted detailed research into the websites, examining their online presence, apparent connections, advertising content and technical characteristics.

Our investigation identified patterns that warranted further attention and raised questions about the websites' activities.

Rather than simply reporting our findings, we took action.

Following our investigation, the Committee communicated with a party who was in a position to assist in having the websites taken offline.

Subsequent checks confirmed that eight of the nine websites were no longer responding normally, while the remaining website was returning a server error.

This represented a significant positive development in our efforts to reduce exposure to suspicious online content across the Pacific.

Why This Work Matters

Pacific Island communities are increasingly reliant on the internet for buying and selling vehicles, conducting business, communicating and accessing essential services.

Unfortunately, websites that appear to represent legitimate local businesses can sometimes be used to distribute misleading advertisements, collect personal information or direct visitors towards potentially harmful content.

Smaller communities can be particularly vulnerable when suspicious websites remain online for extended periods without scrutiny.

Our mission is to help ensure that the Pacific does not become an easy target for questionable online operations.

Our Commitment to the Community

The Cyber Watch Committee believes that protecting our communities requires vigilance, independent investigation and responsible action.

We are committed to:

• Identifying and investigating suspicious websites targeting Pacific communities.

• Raising public awareness about online threats and potentially misleading advertising.

• Documenting and analysing concerning online activity.

• Communicating findings to relevant service providers, organisations and authorities where appropriate.

• Encouraging safer online practices for individuals, families and businesses.

• Promoting greater accountability and transparency across the Pacific's digital environment.

Working Towards a Safer Digital Pacific

Our investigation into the nine Pacific vehicle sales websites demonstrates how independent research, persistence and responsible communication can contribute to meaningful outcomes.

While taking suspicious websites offline is an important step, protecting communities requires continued awareness and cooperation.

The Cyber Watch Committee will continue working to identify emerging online risks and help make the internet safer for everyone across our region.

Cyber Watch Committee

Independent Research. Community Protection. A Safer Digital Pacific.

Report a Suspicious Website

Have you encountered a suspicious website, questionable online advertisement or potentially fraudulent online activity targeting Vanuatu or another Pacific Island community?

We encourage community members to share their concerns with the Cyber Watch Committee.

Together, we can help protect our Pacific communities online.