A mobile electronics retailer in Suva is currently under investigation by the Consumer Council of Fiji following the emergence of two cases involving significant purchases of Apple gift cards. In both instances, the buyers claimed they did not receive the full value of their orders.
The first case reported involves an individual who purchased Apple gift cards worth FJD$5000 for a total value of USD$1600 on June 21, 2024. However, the buyer was only provided with a gift card valued at USD$500, and despite numerous requests, the balance of USD$1100 worth of cards was never delivered, prompting the buyer to contact the Council for assistance.
In another case, another customer purchased Apple gift cards for FJD$7000 on June 14, 2024, with a promise of timely delivery after payment. Unfortunately, despite several attempts to reach the seller, the buyer did not receive the cards and faced difficulties in communication.
Seema Shandil, the Council’s chief executive, expressed concern over the substantial amounts involved in these transactions. She emphasized the importance of consumer caution when making high-value purchases. Shandil advised that verifying whether vendors are authorized retailers is crucial to safeguarding consumer rights.
The investigation by the Council is ongoing, but it has been noted that the retailer has not provided any proof of being an authorized dealer, leading to doubts about the legitimacy of the gift card sales and other services offered. The Council is committed to protecting consumer rights and preventing similar situations in the future.
Consumers are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or discrepancies related to scams or fraud to the Consumer Council of Fiji for immediate assistance, either by emailing complaints@consumersfiji.org or by calling the National Toll-Free Helpline 155.