A mobile electronics retailer in Suva is currently under investigation by the Consumer Council of Fiji following reports of two significant purchases of Apple gift cards where the buyers did not receive the full value of their transactions.
These cases have raised concerns about the handling and delivery processes of the retailer, prompting the Council to conduct an urgent inquiry.
In the first instance, a customer paid FJD$5000 for Apple gift cards valued at USD$1600 on June 21, 2024. However, the buyer only received a gift card worth USD$500 and the remaining cards valued at USD$1100 have not been delivered despite numerous requests for assistance from the Council.
In another case, an individual purchased Apple gift cards worth FJD$7000 on June 14, 2024, with promises of prompt delivery after payment. However, the buyer reportedly faced difficulties in contacting the seller, with calls going unanswered or diverted.
“While these may be isolated incidents, they could also indicate a larger issue. It is concerning due to the sums involved in these transactions,” said Seema Shandil, the Council’s chief executive. She emphasized the importance of consumers being cautious when making large purchases, especially for gift cards.
Shandil pointed out that it’s crucial for consumers to verify that retailers are authorized sellers. The investigation has so far not confirmed whether the retailer is authorized, as they have failed to provide proof of their status as an authorized Apple dealer.
This raises further questions about the legitimacy of their gift card sales and other repair services offered. The Council is actively investigating these matters to protect consumer rights and prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Meanwhile, consumers are urged to remain vigilant when engaging in high-value transactions.
Consumers are encouraged to report any discrepancies or suspicious activities related to scams or frauds to the Consumer Council of Fiji for assistance via complaints@consumersfiji.org or by calling the National Toll-Free Helpline at 155.