Verify information when dealing with companies and individuals operating through social media sites – Shandil

Customers must always verify information when dealing with companies and individuals operating through social media sites to avoid falling victim to scams and fraudulent practices.

This is after a local aluminum service provider has come under the radar of the Consumer Council of Fiji for taking large sums of money from consumers and failing to deliver on promised services or has yet to either begin any work or only did partial works.

Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Seema Shandil says so far the council have registered 9 complaints against the company with a monetary value of $82,000.

Shandil says although the council cannot release the name of the company, consumers should note the initials of its name is AA.

She says in a recent case being investigated, a consumer who was constructing a new house gave a contract for complete aluminum door and window installation to the company for $17,250 and paid a 70% deposit, but the company only performed the basic installation of windows and door frames, leaving the task incomplete.

The CEO says despite multiple follow-ups and requests for updates by the customer, the company started avoiding calls and intentionally delayed the completion by providing excuses.

She adds the customer had also requested a refund and was refused. In another similar case, the CEO says a customer paid the company a $13,000 deposit for aluminum works, but the company failed to complete the work and ignored the customer’s phone calls.

Shandil says the mere value of the coffers which has been swindled by this company is quite alarming and further stresses the need for consumers to be highly vigilant and not blindly hire any trader/individual which they come across on social media.

The CEO says it is paramount that all companies, especially the ones operating through social media platforms provide clear and concise information about their services, pricing, and physical locations to instill greater confidence and trust among consumers.

She is encouraging Fijians who have been victims or notice such practices to contact the Council on toll-free helpline 155 or email complaints@consumersfiji.org and can lodge complaints via the Consumer Council of Fiji Mobile App.