WHO ARE WE

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCoF) is an independent statutory body established under the Consumer Council of Fiji Act -1976 (Cap 235). The Council, as a watchdog protects the rights and interests of consumers by promoting a fair and just delivery of goods and services.

The Consumer Council is primarily an advocacy organization, conducting rigorous research and policy analysis on key consumer issues. CCoF’s insight into consumer need is a powerful tool for influencing decision-makers to bring about change. The Council protects the vulnerable groups such as rural poor, physically and mentally challenged, children and women by identifying and articulating the policy issues that are of importance to the consumers.

OUR VISION

Empowering Consumers.

OUR MISSION

The trusted go-to consumer movement, which enhances consumer welfare and stakeholder engagement to influence policy decision making.

WHAT DO WE DO?

The Council is committed to achieving positive change for consumers.

As a small organization with limited resources, the Council plays an active role as a catalyst and facilitator for positive change in the marketplace in a professional, impartial and ethical manner. The Council independently represents the voice of all consumers in Fiji
through advocacy, independent submissions, mounting campaigns and engaging with multisectoral partners. Key areas include:

Advocacy and education.
Market surveillance and trader visit;
Research and policy analysis; and
lobbying for policy changes.

OUR VALUES

C – We have the utmost CARE for consumers’ views, expressions and their right to protection.

A – We are ACCOUNTABLE to all stakeholders and our vision and mission.

R – We are committed to strengthening our RELATIONSHIP with our stakeholders.

E – We strive for EXCELLENCE in all aspects of our work.

OUR PRINCIPLES

Campaign fearlessly to change the policies and practices that adversely affect consumer interests; Maintain a highly disciplined result-oriented focus that maximizes impact for consumers; Maintain objectivity in resolving consumer complaints without fear or favor; and Build a strong financial management and sound operating procedures.

ABOUT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL

The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCF) is a statutory body established under the Consumer Council Act (Cap 235). The Council, as a watchdog protects the rights and interests of consumers by promoting a fair and just delivery of goods and services. First and foremost, the Consumer Council is an advocacy organization, conducting rigorous research and policy analysis on key consumer issues. CCF’s insight into consumer need is a powerful tool for influencing decision-makers to bring about change. The Council protects the vulnerable groups such as rural poor, physically and mentally challenged, children and women by identifying and articulating the policy issues that are of importance to the consumers.3.2 Board members are appointed by the Minister for Industry and Trade for a term or terms as the Minister may determine.

The Chairperson of the Council reports to the Minister. The Board of Directors appoints the Chief Executive Officer to lead and manage the Council affairs within the legal framework and by maintaining high ethical standards.

From corporate governance perspective, a Board Charter is in place that sets the rules and procedures within which the Board functions.

FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL

Section 6 of the Consumer Council Act stipulates the functions of the Council. The Council is required to do such acts and things it considers necessary or expedient to ensure that the interests of the consumers of goods and services are promoted and protected. These functions include: Advising the Minister on such matters affecting the interests of the consumers; Making representations to the Government or to any other person/organizations on any issues affecting the interests of consumers; Collecting, collating and disseminating information in respect of matters affecting the interests of consumers; Supporting or maintaining legal proceedings initiated by a consumer, where such support is deemed necessary; Conducting research and investigations into matters affecting consumers; Advising and assisting consumers on matters affecting their interests; Co-operating with any person, association or organization outside Fiji having similar functions and becoming a member of or affiliate to any international organization concerned with consumer matters; and Soliciting and accepting for the purposes of the Council any money, land, or other property from the Government, any local authority, public body, organization, or person by way of grant, subsidy, donation, gift, or otherwise.

The Consumer Council Act1976 was amended in 1992 by Decree No 23. The amendment deleted a few key functions of the Council to promulgate the “Trade Standards and Quality Control Decree 1991”. Whether the amendment decree reduced the specifically listed functions to prevent the CCF from actually carrying out these functions is a matter of legal interpretation. As long as the amendment does not prohibit the carrying out of the three functions, the general power of the Council can be invoked to continue to carry out research, and/or examination or testing of goods and services, and receiving and acting on consumer complaints. The overriding function is to ‘do all such acts and things that it may consider necessary or expedient to ensure that the interests of consumers of goods and services are promoted and protected’ [s6 (1)]. The 1992 amendment to the Consumer Council Act seems to be redundant as consequential amendments were not made to the Act.

SERVICES OF THE COUNCIL

1. Campaigns, Information & Media Division

To empower consumers with knowledge and information to bring about reforms in policy and practice that adversely affect consumer interests.

2. Alternative Dispute Resolution & Consumer Advisory Division

To assist consumers in resolving complaints through alternative dispute resolution,advisory services and legal representation.

3. Research & Policy Analysis Division

To identify and undertake broad-based and complaints driven research on key consumer protection legislations that promote and protect consumer interests through necessary policy changes.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

The Council is divided into three departments, each with its own distinguished function. These are:

CAMPAIGNS, INFORMATION & MEDIA – To empower consumers with knowledge and information to bring about reforms in policy and practice that adversely affect consumer interests.

ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION & CONSUMER ADVISORY – To assist consumers in resolving complaints through alternative dispute resolution, advisory services and legal representation.

RESEARCH & POLICY ANALYSIS – To identify and undertake broad-based and complaints driven research on key consumer protection legislations that promote and protect consumer interests through necessary policy changes.

OUR EXPERIENCE

Since its establishment following the introduction of the Consumer Council of Fiji Act 1976, the Council has now become a household brand name in Fiji, giving rays of hope to Fijian consumers whose rights have been violated in the marketplace. As per the Consumer Council of Fiji Act 1976, the Council has powers to do such acts and things it considers necessary or expedient to ensure that the interests of the consumers are promoted and protected. These include:

Advising the Minister on such matters affecting the interests of the consumers;
Making representations to the Government or to any other person/organizations on any issues affecting the interests of consumers;
Collecting, collating and disseminating information in respect of matters affecting the interests of consumers;
Supporting or maintaining legal proceedings initiated by a consumer, where such support is deemed necessary;
Conducting research and investigations into matters affecting consumers;
Advising and assisting consumers on matters affecting their interests;
Co-operating with any person, association or organization outside Fiji having similar functions and becoming a member of or affiliate to any international organization concerned with consumer matters; and,
Soliciting and accepting for the purposes of the Council any money, land, or other property from the Government, any local authority, public body, organization, or person by way of grant, subsidy, donation, gift, or otherwise.

Ms. Mereseini Baleilevuka (Chairperson)

Ms. Baleilevuka is a seasoned educator, business leader, and community advocate with over four decades of experience in education and leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Language, Literature, and Education from the University of the South Pacific and began her career as a teacher before rising to become Principal and Chief Operations Officer at Freebird Institute Ltd.

Ms. Mereseini is the Founding Principal of Namaka Public Freebird Institute and has served in various leadership roles including at Ba Provincial Freebird Institute. Her expertise spans educational leadership, youth development, and entrepreneurship. She currently serves as a board member and Secretary of the Fiji Indigenous Business Council and has been a long-serving board member for FRIEND Fiji.

A passionate advocate for women, youth, and faith-based initiatives, she is a certified Christian Worker and Evangelism Trainer. Her dedication to service, education, and community empowerment continues to positively impact lives across Fiji.

Ms. Elizabeth Algar (Deputy Chairperson)

Ms Elizabeth Algar has proven value as a strategic advisor with multidisciplinary groups, a visionary and servant leader with over 15 years combined senior executive experience in corporate services, strategic management, MSME coaching & mentoring, education, aviation and human resources development. Her current corporate services portfolio includes managing strategic, finance, HR development & recruitment, asset, general administration, and property management. As a consultant, Elizabeth has completed projects for Palladium, Cardno, IUCN, iTaukei Affairs Board, RFMF and the Ministry of Education to name a few.

She holds a Masters in Business Administration from USP and is also an Australian qualified trainer and chef. Elizabeth previously worked at International Red Cross, Australia-Pacific Technical College (APTC), and Fiji Airways. Her board memberships have included Chairperson for Nasinu & Nausori Town Councils. Ms. Elizabeth inspires to be a role model to aspiring women leaders who like her will step out in faith and be an amazing leader in her spheres of influence.

Mr. Shiu Raj

Mr. Raj, aged 54, is based in Nadi, operating as an independent consultant and adviser, working in areas relating to business development, planning, trade, investment, capacity building and reforms. His portfolio of clients covers private sector operators, and regional and non-government organisations in supporting growth for targeted impactful results.

Early in his career, he worked as a civil servant with the Bureau of Statistics and later joined the Fiji Trade and Investment Bureau where he also served as the Secretary to the Board. He has worked as a Director and Trade Adviser at the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, and was appointed the Pacific Islands Representative to the ACP Group of States and the European Union (EU), based in Brussels, Belgium to assist with the negotiation of the now ‘Samoa Agreement’.

Mr Raj has a multi-disciplinary qualification from Canada, Fiji and France – a Masters in development economics, with first degrees in economics, management and information systems.

Ms. Elizabeth Naevo

Ms. Naevo is a community leader, event specialist, and development advocate with over 20 years of experience in tourism, events, design, and grassroots initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Spatial Design from Auckland University of Technology, a Trade Certificate in Graphic Design (distinction), and is pursuing a Professional Diploma in Business Management at USP.

Ms. Elizabeth has worked with leading hotel brands such as Sheraton, Hilton, and Marriott, and played a key role in managing large-scale events, including the 2019 ADB Annual Meeting in Fiji. Her expertise spans logistics, revenue generation, and stakeholder engagement.

Beyond her professional work, she is deeply involved in community empowerment. She leads women’s farming initiatives, youth sports programs, and cultural revival projects in Nawaka and Solovi. She also co-founded the Eteni Rukunirara Youth Rugby Club.

Her passion for service, leadership, and community development brings valuable insight and dedication to the Board.

Ms Anabel Ali

Ms. Ali is a financial and governance professional with over 15 years of experience. She currently serves as the Group Financial Controller for Fiji Fish Marketing Group and its entities. A Certified Practicing Accountant Australia (CPA) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), Anabel holds an MBA and a BA in Accounting and Public Administration from the University of the South Pacific.

Passionate about community development, Anabel chairs the Board of Habitat for Humanity Fiji and is a Trustee and Board member of WOWs (Kids) Fiji. She has held numerous board roles across public and non-profit sectors and was honored with the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award as a Community Champion. Ms. Anabel is a Leadership Fiji alumni and a committed advocate for streamlined governance in both the private and public sectors.

Mr. Amitesh Deo

Mr. Deo is the Founder and Director of the Pacific Recycling Foundation and Director & CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd, with over 20 years of experience in business management, sustainability, and community advocacy. Educated in Business Administration at Cambridge International College, he holds multiple international diplomas in accounting and business.

He has led transformative recycling initiatives across Fiji and the Pacific, including the “I Recycle Hub” and “Recycling on the Go” programs. He has provided regional mentorship in Tonga, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands and serves as Secretariat for the Pacific Recyclers Alliance.

His past roles include Operations Manager at the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre, where he now serves on the Board of Trustees. A published author, his novella “Amma…a frail wooden door” gained national recognition in 2012.

Mr. Amitesh is committed to inclusive environmental solutions, youth empowerment, and social justice, making him a respected leader in both the environmental and community development sectors.

Ms. Mereoni Rakatia

Ms. Rakatia is a seasoned professional with a background in commerce, public administration, and community leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the South Pacific and is completing a second degree in Law. Her training spans accident investigation, OHS, ERP systems, and web design.

She served as Board Secretary for the iTaukei Affairs Board (2016–2019), focusing on change management. She has worked as a consultant with the Native Land Commission, TLTB, and Mineral Resource Department, and contributed to hotel risk management with Vesi Security.

Her deep commitment to service is evident in over a decade of voluntary work, including with the Soqosoqo Vakamarama in Naitasiri and Nadroga, water committees in Tikina Tuva and Malomalo, and the St John Association of Fiji in finance and HR.

Ms. Mereoni brings a strong understanding of indigenous governance, policy, and grassroots development—making her a valuable voice for traditional and contemporary leadership.

Meet the team

Seema Shandil

Chief Executive Officer

Ziyad Parvez

Manager Campaigns, Information and Media

Kavitesh Pal

Manager Finance and Administration

Lusia Rabaka

Senior Research Officer

Neha Ali

Manager Alternate Dispute Resolution

Venkateshwar Narayan

Regional Coordinator Labasa

Shovneel Ram

Research Officer

Rabia Ali

Assistant Research Officer

Rufina Veisa

Complaint Management and Data Entry Officer

Sotia Laisa Lomani

Consumer Officer

Prashant Chand

Consumer Officer

Samuela Cama

Consumer Helpline Officer

Ranjaline Reddy

Human Resource and Training Officer

Ashneel Kumar

Assistant Admin Officer

Caroline Koto

Receptionist, Clerical and Administrative Officer

Nikhil Singh

Executive Officer

Kavneel Kant

Consumer Officer - Labasa Office

Atish Nand

Regional Coordinator Lautoka

Senivesi Lutu

Consumer Officer - Lautoka Office

James Vakacabeqoli

Consumer Officer - Lautoka Office

Harsha Kumar

Media Officer

Serupepeli Finau

Campaigns Officer

Shivyashni Prasad

Senior Media Officer

Shaheem Haq

Assistant Consumer Officer

Shaneha Kumar

Assistant Consumer Officer

Rafaele Nakidi

Assistant Consumer Officer - Labasa Office

Sahil Lal

Research & Debt Management Advisory Officer

Vacant

Assistant Consumer Officer - Lautoka Office

Nanise Veikoso

Senior Consumer Officer

Devit Chand

Graduate Attachee

Diristi Chand

Graduate Trainee

CONSUMER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

On 15 March, 1962, US President John F. Kennedy delivered a historic address to the US Congress in which he outlined his vision of consumer rights. This was the first time any politician had formerly set out such principles.

“Consumers by definition include us all, ” Kennedy said in his Congressional statement. They are the largest economic group , affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision. Yet they are the only important group…whose views are often not heard”

Over time, the consumer movement has developed this vision into a set of eight basic consumer rights which now define and inspire much of the work CI and its members do:

CONSUMER RIGHTS

The right to satisfaction of basic needs – To have access to basic, essential goods and services: adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care, education, public utilities, water and sanitation.

The right to safety – To be protected against products, production processes and services which are hazardous to health or life.

The right to be informed – To be given the facts needed to make an informed choice, and to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and labeling.

The right to choose – To be able to select from a range of products and services, offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.

The right to be heard – To have consumer interests represented in the making and execution of government policy, and in the development of products and services.

The right to redress – To receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation for misrepresentation, shoddy goods or unsatisfactory services.

The right to consumer education – To acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed, confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.

The right to a healthy environment -To live and work in an environment which is non-threatening to the well-being of present and future generations.

This set of eight consumer rights now guide the campaign and policy work of CI and consumer organizations in the world over.

CONSUMER RESPONSIBILITIES

Critical Awareness – the responsibility to be more alert and questioning about the price and quality of goods and services we use.

Action – the responsibility to assert ourselves and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. As long as we remain passive consumers we will be exploited.

Social concern – the responsibility to be aware of the impact of our consumption on other citizens, especially the disadvantaged or powerless groups whether in the local, national or international community.

Environmental Awareness – the responsibility to understand the environmental and other consequences of our consumption. We should recognize our individual and social responsibility to conserve natural resources and protect the earth for future generations.

Solidarity – the responsibility to organize together as consumers to develop the strength and influence to promote and protect our interest.

STRATEGIC PLAN FINAL Download

Job Description: Assistant Consumer Officer – Lautoka Office Download

ADVOCACY PROFILE

A well-functioning market economy needs educated consumers with the power to influence the market through their rational decisions when confronted with choice. Informed consumers are able to assert themselves in the marketplace, which in turn influences the behaviour of traders, pushing them to be voluntarily compliant with consumer legislation. Only through being informed can consumers gain the benefits of a well-functioning market economy. And in order to be informed, consumers must receive timely and accurate information. This information must be brought to consumers through as many mediums as possible to ensure maximum reach and effectiveness

MOBILE UNITS

Mobile units are cost effective means by which the Council can reach out to consumers who would otherwise not be able to access its services due to distance or transportation costs. The mobile units ensure that Council services are accessed directly thus increasing its reach and footprint. The Council also conducts market surveillance and trader visits in the respective areas where the information booths are set up.

SCHOOL VISITS

Consumer education should begin in early childhood to cultivate positive consumer attitudes and help youths develop independent thinking. This is especially important because more and more traders are targeting youths in advertising campaigns. Furthermore, many emerging consumer issues, such as data safety online, impacts young consumers who spend large amounts of time on social media and the internet. Educating school students on their rights and emerging consumer issues is important to ensure that unscrupulous traders do not swindle them. To do this, the Council actively seeks opportunities to visit schools and educate students on their rights and responsibilities.

COMMUNITY VISITS

Products and services in the modern world are constantly evolving to take into account the ever-growing needs of consumers. Unfortunately, the speed of this innovation can have a negative impact on consumer rights. This is because many products and services are in the hands of consumers before their consumer impacts are fully known. This lack of information on consumer rights with regards to new products is a cause for concern, even for the most informed urban consumers. Rural consumers are susceptible to greater risks simply because they may not have access to the most up-to-date information on consumer trends. Therefore, the Consumer Council of Fiji focuses on reaching as many villages and communities as possible in both rural and maritime areas. Community visits allow accessibility of Council Services and information in the most remote communities and ensures that they are not disadvantaged by distance.

WORKSHOPS

The Council conducts rigorous research on consumer policy issues to stay ahead of emerging trends in the marketplace. This research must then be communicated to stakeholders and consumers. Workshops give the Council an avenue to impart this information. Over the years Council has partnered with several organizations such as the Department of Youth and Sports, Ministry of Education, Fiji National University, Catholic Women’s League, the Fiji Disabled People’s Association etc to conduct workshops on various consumer topics and issues. The topics covered in these workshops have moved from the role of the Consumer Council, consumer rights and responsibilities, towards emerging problems that consumers face in their day to day living.

TALKBACK SHOWS

Talkback shows have also proven to be effective for the Council’s campaign on consumer rights, responsibilities and critical consumer issues. The Council has made arrangements with radio and television stations to ensure that it has got slots available to speak on topics which are in the interest of consumers. Talkback shows also all the Council to reach to hundreds and thousands of Fijians who can use this platform to directly communicate or raise any consumer related concerns.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social media is continuously evolving and as such, the Council is evolving with it. Using platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and now Instagram, the Council has been able to reach consumers around the Country and overseas. This platform is used for disseminating consumer advisories and alerts. Since these platforms are interactive, it allows the Council to receive consumer complaints and provide timely responses to queries.

The Council also has an in-house production team which looks after audio/video production as well as basic graphics. The team also creates relevant content to be placed in various communications materials in English, Hindi and iTaukei in order to suit the language needs of consumers.

Contact the Council if you would like us to visit your community, village or school to create awareness, to set up a mobile unit or to conduct workshops. You may reach out to our Campaigns team at 9716263.

Project & Events

November 13, 2024

Voices from the Margins: Perceptions and Recommendations on Digital Financial Services in Fiji

May 31, 2022

Control Consumption (Ctrl C) Project

May 31, 2022

Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP) Project

WCRD

March 17, 2023

World Consumer Rights Day 2023

May 31, 2022

WORLD CONSUMER RIGHTS DAY

May 31, 2022

WCRD 2022

COMMUNITY CONSUMER ADVISORY GROUP

In a joint effort to empower and protect consumers, especially the disadvantaged and marginalised ones, the Consumer Council of Fiji, with the support of the European Union, launched the Community Consumer Advisory Group (CCAG) on the 25th of June 2014 in Suva.

The group, which has a voluntary membership representing rural, remote areas of the country, will act as the Council’s eyes, ears and voice on the ground.

The Council has identified seven representatives from Savusavu, Taveuni, Nasinu, Lautoka, Rakiraki, Labasa and Levuka to be part of the CCAG.

Expression of interest

If you would like to be a part of our tireless group of volunteers as the Council’s eyes and ears within your community, you can express your interest to the email eo@consumersfiji.org

Community Consumer Advisory Group

Ms. Vani Vula

CCAG Representative - Lautoka

Ms. Hamida Khan

CCAG Representative - Nasinu

Mr. Shri Krishna

CCAG Representative - Rakiraki

Mr. John Leopold Apanna

CCAG Representative - Taveuni

Mr. Ashok Kumar

CCAG Representative - Savusavu

Mr. Mahendra Prasad

CCAG Representative – Labasa

Mr Mateo Vianny

CCAG Representative - Levuka

Today’s fast paced and diverse economic environment makes it imperative for consumers to be assertive in the market place in order to ensure that they get their money’s worth. In instances consumers are not assertive, the unscrupulous players in market place may exploit this ‘passive’ nature of consumers in order to profiteer at their expense. Hence, the Consumer Council of Fiji habitually reminds consumers of their responsibility to take Action – the responsibility to assert ourselves as consumers and act to ensure that we get a fair deal. This is based on the premise that as long as we remain passive consumers, we will be exploited.

How can consumers exercise their responsibility of action?

Consumers can exercise their responsibility of Action by letting businesses know when they are dissatisfied with their products and services. This is done by lodging complaints either directly with the business or the Consumer Council of Fiji…read more

Apart from using the dedicated Mobile APP, Consumers can now raise complaints directly from this website by clicking on the Button given below.

Testimonials

Gallery

Multisectoral Financial Literacy Panel Discussion

11 Photos

World Consumer Rights Day 2023

37 Photos

Green Action Week

9 Photos

Consumers International

The Consumer Council of Fiji is a full member of Consumers International (CI), the international federation of consumer organizations based in London. The Council has been a member of CI since 1989 and is the only consumer group in the South Pacific that is actively involved in CI’s international activities on consumer rights and interests.

COPOLCO

The Council is a member of COPOLCO – the Committee on Consumer Policy of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

National affiliations & consultative work

The Council’s status as the statutory representative of consumers in Fiji has made it an important partner or stakeholder in various Fiji consultative and policy-making bodies. The Council is often consulted by policymakers and industry groups on matters affecting consumers in Fiji.

Expression of Interest

The Consumer Council of Fiji provides for a dynamic, progressive and career building work environment and has a track record of molding young minds through exposure to a vast array of industries, sectors, organizations and other stakeholders.

The Council, on a need basis, frequently allows for university students and new graduates to work as a volunteer or attaché. Interested individuals can submit an expression of interest to join any of the teams below:

1. Campaigns Information and Media Division

Get exposure to writing press releases, liaising with media agencies, writing newspaper articles, conducting campaign work, community awareness sessions, workshops with business houses and project management.

Individuals with qualifications or progress towards qualifications in journalism, law, literature, language, public relations and other relevant fields are encouraged to apply.

Submit your interests to eo@consumersfiji.org

2. Alternative Dispute Resolution and Consumer Advisory Division

With the Alternative Dispute Resolution Division, individuals will gain experience handling consumer complaints, conducting investigations, market surveillance, facilitating mediation and consumer advisory.

Individuals with qualifications in law, economics, business administration and other relevant fields are encouraged to apply.

Submit your interests to eo@consumersfiji.org

3. Research and Policy Analysis Division

Get valuable experience handling service-related consumer complaints, conducting market surveillance, minor and major researches on consumer issues, policy submissions and project proposals.

Individuals with qualifications in law, economics, business administration, public health, environmental health and other relevant fields are encouraged to apply.

Submit your interests to eo@consumersfiji.org

4. Finance and Administration Division

Get acquainted preparing financial statements, dealing with human resource matters and other administration duties.

Submit your interests to eo@consumersfiji.org

Consumer Protection Laws

August 16, 2022

FCCC Act 2010

August 16, 2022

Consumer Council of Fiji Act 1976

August 16, 2022

Distress of Rent Act 1961

August 16, 2022

Second Hand Dealers Act

TENDER INVITATION

Supply and install New Desktop and Laptops

Expression of Interest Download

Overpriced Property Listings Spark Concern Over Real Estate Practices

July 30, 2025

Emerging concerns about inflated property prices have prompted the Consumer Council of Fiji to call for greater transparency in the real estate sector. The Council has noted instances where agents advertise properties well above their official valuations, creating confusion for buyers and potentially distorting the market. It is also calling for clearer guidelines on how deposits are managed when buyers choose not to proceed with a purchase.

In a recent complaint lodged at the Council, a consumer paid a $5,000 deposit for a property listed at $170,000 while awaiting home loan approval and completing due diligence checks. As part of this process, the consumer obtained an independent valuation from a licensed valuer, which revealed that the property’s true market value was only $135,000 highlighting a significant discrepancy of $35,000. Based on the significant discrepancy in the property’s valuation, the consumer chose not to proceed with the purchase and requested a refund of the $5,000 deposit.

However, no refund was issued. Instead, the real estate agent offered only a partial refund and informed the consumer that the deposit had been transferred to a solicitor’s trust account. This was done without the consumer’s knowledge or consent, despite the contract clearly stating that the deposit was to be paid to the real estate agent and it was, in fact, paid directly to the agent. The solicitor, who was acting for both parties, claimed that part of the funds had been retained for legal fees, yet no agreement authorizing such deductions had been signed, and no formal documentation was provided to justify the withheld amount.

The Council views this case as a serious reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by consumers in property transactions, particularly when there is insufficient transparency around how prices are set and how deposits are treated when a sale does not go through.

While this is an isolated complaint, the Council is taking proactive steps to ensure such
practices do not become commonplace. The risk of consumers overpaying for properties or losing money due to unclear or unfair deposit arrangements, must be addressed before it escalates into a broader issue.

Council CEO Seema Shandil said that the case raises valid questions about ethical conduct and pricing practices in the real estate and conveyancing sector. “If buyers are not advised to verify property prices independently, and if there are no safeguards ensuring fair refund of deposits, we risk creating an environment where consumers feel pressured into transactions that are not in their best interest,” she said.
Licensed real estate agents are reminded that under the Real Estate Agents Act 2006, they are required to act honestly, fairly, and in the best interests of their clients. This includes ensuring that advertised prices are supported by sound valuation data, and that prospective buyers are encouraged to obtain independent valuations before committing to a sale.

Similarly, lawyers facilitating property transactions are governed by the Legal Practitioners Act 2009, including specific trust account regulations. Any deduction from client deposits must be fully documented, agreed to in writing, and compliant with applicable legal standards.

The Consumer Council of Fiji strongly urges all prospective property buyers to take proactive steps to protect themselves during the home-buying process. One of the most effective safeguards is obtaining an independent valuation from a licensed professional before committing to any property purchase. This ensures buyers have a clear understanding of the property’s true market value and are not misled by inflated listing prices.

Equally important is ensuring that all terms relating to deposits including how and when they may be refunded are clearly outlined in a written agreement signed by all parties. Buyers should be cautious about making payments without documented terms and should verify who is authorized to receive and hold deposit funds.
The Council emphasises that transparency at every stage of a property transaction is vital. It helps prevent costly misunderstandings, reduces the risk of financial loss, and strengthens consumer confidence in the real estate market. The Council continues to advocate for stronger regulatory oversight and clearer industry standards to protect the rights and interests of homebuyers across Fiji.

Consumers who believe they have been misled or financially disadvantaged in a property transaction are encouraged to report their case to the Consumer Council of Fiji by calling the toll-free National Consumer Helpline 155 or emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org.

Press release; Overpriced Property Listings Spark Concern Over Real Estate Practices Download