The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) is intensifying its response to an upsurge in market and digital scams, according to Chief Executive Senikavika Jiuta. The commission is implementing ongoing enforcement actions and conducting market research to combat these concerns effectively. Notably, Jiuta highlighted a significant increase in complaints, particularly regarding tenancy fraud, deceptive pricing, and digital scams.
A key finding indicated that more than half of the complaints in the rental sector arise from landlords who fail to provide formal tenancy agreements, leading to numerous disputes. Jiuta mentioned that the FCCC’s current enforcement measures focus on reviewing rental receipts, tenancy agreements, and the conditions surrounding bond refunds.
The FCCC has also undertaken fresh market research initiatives, including a digital scam survey in collaboration with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance. This research revealed that consumers are highly exposed to various online frauds, such as scams related to online sales, fake investment opportunities, and misleading job offers requiring upfront fees.
In a broader context, it is important to note the FCCC’s collaboration with other organizations, including the Consumer Council of Fiji and regulatory bodies, to enhance consumer protection efforts. This cooperation aims to create a unified approach to tackling these urgent issues.
The rise of scams underscores the importance of public awareness and community engagement in recognizing and responding to fraudulent activities. As stakeholders continue to work together, there is a hopeful outlook for improved consumer safety and confidence in Fiji’s marketplace.
While the situation presents significant challenges, proactive measures being implemented by the FCCC and collaborative efforts with partner organizations signify a strong commitment to safeguarding consumers and strengthening the overall integrity of the market.
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