FCCC investigating complaints from Fijians allegedly affected by local travel agent

FCCC investigating complaints from Fijians allegedly affected by local travel agent (Wednesday 06/11/2019)

By: Vijay Narayan

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating complaints from Fijians who have allegedly fallen victim to incomplete travel related services by a local travel agent.

Complaints received by the Commission allege that the local travel agent received money in exchange for airline tickets, however, when they checked the status of their travel schedule, they found no purchase of tickets had been made.

FCCC CEO Joel Abraham says the Commission has initiated an investigation on the complaints to ascertain facts.

FCCC has urged all Fijians affected by this or similar cases to formally lodge complaints to the Commission.

Abraham says they would like to urge the public to be vigilant about who they give their hard-earned money to and also not to give away original receipts to anyone without official identification.

Consumer Council receives complaints of Nadi travel agent selling bogus tickets (Saturday 02/11/2019)

By: Semi Turaga

Complaints against a prominent travel agent based in Namaka, Nadi, selling bogus air tickets has been received by the Consumer Council of Fiji. 

According to the Consumer Council of Fiji, these bogus dealings has resulted in people losing thousands of dollars. 

It says the matter is grave and requires urgent attention from all concerned authorities for a quick action against this travel agent so that consumers get their money back. 

Consumer Council CEO, Seema Shandil says some people bought tickets and had later tried to verify their seat number with the airline company only to find the seats booked under a different person’s name. 

She says other consumers had deposited large sums of money into the company’s bank account but had yet to receive their tickets. 

Shandil adds some were only aware of the scam when they reached the airport and was informed their tickets were not valid. 

She stresses travel agents must be licensed to protect gullible consumers. 

Shandil adds most countries require travel agents to undertake formal training, regular continuing education, and possible licensing before they are allowed to engage in selling or dealing with travel products and services, similar to that required for realtors. 

She says in Fiji, anyone can call themselves a travel agent, usually with no formal training or qualifications. 

She stresses that the lack of formal training means lack of quality control. 

She says people should determine whether the agency is accredited with the International Airlines Transport Association by viewing the travel agents IATA ID card to avoid being duped.