The Consumer Council of Fiji has initiated an investigation into a mobile electronics retailer in Suva after two significant incidents involving Apple gift card purchases where buyers did not receive the full value of their orders.
These occurrences suggest potential issues related to the delivery and management of such transactions, prompting the Council to take immediate action.
In the first incident, a customer ordered Apple gift cards worth FJD $5,000, equivalent to USD $1,600, on June 21, 2024. However, they only received a $500 gift card. After several unsuccessful attempts to receive the remaining $1,100 worth of gift cards, the buyer sought assistance from the Council.
In another case on June 14, 2024, a different customer paid FJD $7,000 for Apple gift cards, with the seller promising prompt delivery. The buyer faced silence from the seller despite repeated attempts to contact them, leading to frustration and unresolved issues.
According to Seema Shandil, CEO of the Consumer Council, these incidents may either be isolated cases or indicators of a broader problem. She urged caution when spending large sums of money on such products, highlighting the importance of verifying that vendors are authorized retailers to safeguard consumer rights.
The retailer in question has not provided evidence of being an authorized Apple dealer, which raises concerns about the legitimacy of both the gift card sales and their repair services. Consumers are advised to exercise careful judgment during significant transactions, while the Council continues to investigate to ensure consumer rights are protected and to prevent future occurrences.
Customers can report any irregularities or suspicious activity related to scams or fraud by contacting the Consumer Council of Fiji at complaints@consumersfiji.org or calling the National Toll-Free Helpline at 155 for immediate assistance.