Fiji’s Consumer Council has reiterated its warning to the public regarding rental car services amid a troubling surge in complaints about aggressive and unethical behavior from certain operators in the industry. The council has documented 163 complaints related to rental car services since 2020, amounting to over $97,000 in losses for consumers.
Seema Shandil, the Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, has expressed her concern over delays in bond refunds, with some companies reportedly withholding them indefinitely under the guise of pending traffic fines, which has left consumers financially stranded for extended periods. Reports have emerged of staff within these companies being evasive and verbally abusive towards customers, as well as refusal to issue receipts or written agreements, which puts consumers at a disadvantage if disputes arise.
In one noteworthy incident cited by Shandil, a customer rented a vehicle that broke down the following day. The company instructed the customer to pay for the necessary repairs upfront with a vague promise of reimbursement, which has yet to materialize despite the customer providing valid receipts.
Shandil emphasized that this situation is unacceptable and pointed to the lack of enforcement and consumer awareness, which allows these dubious practices to persist. The Consumer Council is committed to collaboration with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Fiji Rental Car Association to take robust action against recurrent violators of consumer protection laws.
As an advisory, Shandil encourages consumers to exercise caution when renting vehicles. She recommends insisting on proper documentation, avoiding informal cash transactions and verifying the legitimacy of the rental service.
These proactive measures reflect a broader effort within Fiji’s consumer protection landscape to combat fraudulent behavior and improve accountability. Collaborations between the Consumer Council, LTA, and industry associations provide a hopeful framework for reform that can enhance the reliability of rental services, ensuring a better and safer experience for consumers in the future.
The emphasis on obtaining written terms and being vigilant can ultimately contribute to a more transparent and respectful rental environment, allowing consumers to enjoy their travels without undue stress.
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