A mobile electronics retailer in Suva is currently under investigation by the Consumer Council of Fiji following reports of two incidents involving substantial purchases of Apple gift cards, with buyers claiming they did not receive the full value of their orders.
These cases point to potential issues regarding transaction handling and delivery, prompting the Council to initiate an urgent inquiry.
In the first incident, an individual purchased Apple gift cards for FJD$5000, expecting cards valued at USD$1600. The order was made on June 21, 2024, but the buyer only received a gift card worth USD$500. Despite repeated requests, the remaining cards, valued at USD$1100, were not delivered, prompting the buyer to seek the Council’s help.
In a separate case, another individual spent FJD$7000 on Apple gift cards on June 14, 2024, with the seller assuring prompt delivery after payment. However, after multiple attempts to reach the seller, the buyer received no cards and faced issues such as call diversions and unanswered communications.
“These incidents may be isolated, or they could indicate a larger problem. The amounts involved are particularly concerning,” stated Council chief executive Seema Shandil.
She emphasized the importance of consumer caution when making large purchases and the necessity of ensuring accountability when buying high-value gift cards or using mobile repair services.
“It’s crucial for consumers to verify that vendors are authorized retailers to protect their rights,” she added.
The investigation has not confirmed the retailer’s status as an authorized dealer, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the gift card sales and repair services offered. The Council is actively working to protect consumer rights and prevent future occurrences, while encouraging consumers to remain vigilant during large transactions.
Consumers are advised to report any irregularities or suspicious activities related to scams or fraud to the Consumer Council of Fiji for prompt action, either through complaints@consumersfiji.org or by calling the National Toll-Free Helpline at 155.