A mobile electronics store in Suva is facing an investigation by the Consumer Council of Fiji following reports of two significant purchases of Apple gift cards where customers did not receive the expected value of their orders.
These incidents raise concerns regarding the management and delivery of such transactions, prompting the Council to initiate an urgent inquiry.
In one case, an individual paid FJD$5000 for Apple gift cards valued at USD$1600 on June 21, 2024, but only received a gift card worth USD$500. Despite repeated requests, the buyer has yet to receive the remaining gift cards valued at USD$1100 and has sought assistance from the Council.
In a separate incident, another customer purchased Apple gift cards worth FJD$7000 on June 14, 2024, and was promised quick delivery after payment. However, the buyer experienced difficulties contacting the seller and did not receive the cards, facing issues such as call diversions and unresolved communications.
Seema Shandil, the chief executive of the Council, expressed concerns about the large sums of money involved, stating, “These may be isolated incidents or indicative of a larger issue. It is important for people to be cautious when spending large amounts on such items.”
Shandil emphasized the necessity for consumers to be vigilant and ensure they are purchasing from authorized retailers, especially when it comes to high-value gift cards and mobile repair services.
The Council’s investigation is currently assessing whether the retailer is authorized to sell Apple products, as no evidence of such authorization has been provided. This situation raises questions about the authenticity of the gift card sales and the legitimacy of other services offered by the vendor.
To safeguard consumer rights and avoid similar issues in the future, the Council encourages consumers to be proactive in their purchasing decisions and report any suspicious activity related to scams or fraud. Individuals can contact the Consumer Council of Fiji via complaints@consumersfiji.org or call the National Toll-Free Helpline at 155 for support.