Press Releases 2021

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is reiterating that consumers should be extremely cautious when soliciting services of individuals or companies trading on social media platforms such as Facebook. Consumers are also being urged to only make payments while receiving the items ordered or when they are content with the services rendered.

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is urging universities to refrain from making statements which are incorrect or likely to create a false impression. This is after the University of the South Pacific (USP) earlier this week claimed that it has been ranked in the top 10% of universities in the world.

Consumers are urged to be extremely cautious whilst making payments to individuals trading on social media platforms such as Instagram. This advisory comes in light of numerous complaints lodged at the Coun

Signs and notices stating ‘no refunds’, ‘no refunds or exchanges on sale items’ or ‘no returns’ are unlawful, as they imply that it not possible for consumers to get a redress under any circumstance, including for faulty items.

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is issuing a strong advisory to consumers against purchasing and conducting the Antigen Rapid Detection Test (AgRDT) themselves. This advisory comes after a consumer tip-off led mystery shopping by CCoF revealed that certain pharmacies are directly retailing AgRDT kits to consumers. The investigations also discovered that no proper disclosures are made to consumers on the importance of seeking assistance from trained medical professionals to carry out the test at the point of care.

Heading into the new financial year, the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is calling on all Fijian businesses/retailers to engage in good business practices and treat consumers fairly – especially as most Fijians are reeling from the socio-economic impacts of the current pandemic.

Agents facilitating cash withdrawal for the Government COVID- CASH assistance are being warned to refrain from double-dipping at the expense of Fijians by demanding an additional fee. This is being stressed by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) after receiving complaints that certain mobile money agents are charging up to $5.00 additional over-the-counter withdrawal fee.

The COVID-19 health safety protocols which high risk businesses are mandated to follow in order to operate should not be used as a tactic to impose additional costs to consumers. The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is highlighting this after receiving complaints and tip-offs from consumers that certain barbershops are charging customers for making appointments – a mandatory requirement which barbershops have to adhere to in order to operate.

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) stands ready to assist consumers who are grappling with financial challenges, particularly those having debts by facilitating discussions for debt restructure with their respective financial institutions and hire purchase companies.

Consumers are being warned not to participate in lotteries and surveys from unsolicited and unofficial individuals and phoney companies when using social media and other online platforms.

In an effort to help create more financially secure and resilient communities across the country, the Consumer Council of Fiji will be spearheading a project on “Inclusive Innovations for Climate Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance” in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development (UNCDF) Fund’s Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme.

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) has been recently receiving a lot of complaints against unscrupulous traders trying to profiteer at the expense of Fijians who are already facing financial hardships.

With the current COVID-19 outbreak upending the consumer landscape – pushing them further towards online shopping, local online businesses have been found displaying shoddy practices – causing inconvenience and additional financial burden to consumers. The Consumer Council of Fiji has received complaints against local online businesses who are failing to supply ordered goods despite receiving full payments.

A complaint-driven trader visit by the Consumer Council of Fiji yesterday (29/04/2021) has revealed that consumers were being charged $11.80 for a pack for 4Kg sugar and $5.90 for a 2Kg pack by a Navua based trader – a violation of the Price Control Order which clearly demarcates the price of different brands of sugar. The trader in question was also found not issuing receipts to consumers – another violation of relevant consumer protection laws.

Certain businesses are using the current wave of COVID 19 cases in Fiji to profiteer by senselessly and arbitrarily increasing the prices of life saving Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

Smartphone users need to be aware of Viber calls and messages, allegedly from Vodafone Fiji, claiming that the user has won a lottery. This comes after the Council received a complaint from a concerned consumer informing that they have been receiving calls and messages on Viber claiming to have won $50,000 cash from Vodafone Fiji.

Consumers must comply with COVID 19 safety protocols when out and about shopping by downloading and activating the CareFiji app, wearing facemasks and practicing other safety measures which has been mandated by relevant authorities and being implemented by traders and service providers

Certain terms and conditions of extended insurance on hire purchase by businesses has been labelled as unfair, prejudicial and a breach of consumer rights by the Consumer Council of Fiji.

“Certain businesses are completing disregarding consumer protection laws which has been implemented in order to protect and ensure that Fijians are able to provide for their families, especially during challenging times such as the current unprecedent global crises” – This has been stressed by the Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) Chief Executive Ms Seema Shandil after the Council unearthed cases of traders retailing basic food items such as potatoes and onions at erroneous prices and without following the legally mandated pricing formula provided by the relevant enforcement body.

The Consumer Council of Fiji is baffled with the continued increase in landlord tenancy complaints with a record number of 2250 complaints worth over $500,000 recorded in the past 6 years.