Members of Community Gifting Circle Demands Refund

March 25, 2021

The Consumer Council of Fiji has received reports of Fijians allegedly losing their money in a pyramid scheme known as community gifting circle in the Western Division.

This was revealed after an Administrator of the said group approached the Council because the recruits of the gifting circle started demanding a refund for the cash gift they gave. The Circles’ Administrator informed the Council that she does not know which members of the Circle has the recruits’ cash and attempts by her to determine this has proved futile.

Council’s Chief Executive Ms Seema Shandil has restated that it is now impossible to obtain a redress for these Fijians due to the illegal nature of such schemes and the complications involved in tracking the trail of cash flow.

“By the time a pyramid scheme invariably shuts down, the top-level operatives walk away with loads of cash, while the majority of lower – level members leave empty – handed. This is why the Council has been aggressive in advocating and creating awareness on not to join such schemes,” said Ms Shandil.

This Council is reiterating its previous warnings that pyramid schemes are illegal and Fijians should refrain from engaging in such schemes.

If any further clarifications and queries regarding such schemes, consumers are encouraged to call the Council on the toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint using the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app.