Certain agents are actively discouraging people from reporting their complaints - Shandil

The Consumer Council of Fiji says reports received by the Council earlier today indicate that certain agents involved in the scheme are actively discouraging consumers from reporting their complaints.

The council has registered a total of 250 complaints associated with the EbayShop Recruitment scheme, amounting to a monetary value of $447,682.75, whereby unsuspecting consumers invested between $160 to $12,800.

Council CEO, Seema Shandil says in some instances, agents have gone as far as suggesting that consumers may face legal consequences if they come forward, while promising reimbursement.

Shandil has expressed her concern and states that they urge all consumers to take heed of this situation and contribute to the efforts by coming forward and lodging complaints.

She says it is imperative that we learn from this ordeal and work together to map the scope of the scheme.

The council also suspects that other agents participating in this scheme may also be employing similar tactics to intimidate consumers and deter them from seeking redress.

Shandil says such actions have the potential to hinder ongoing investigations aimed at unraveling the full extent of this scheme.

Shandil emphasizes the importance of consumers sharing their experiences with the Council.

She says their testimonies may contain crucial information that could significantly aid the investigative efforts of the Multi-Interagency Taskforce chaired by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs and Communications.

Complaints registered earlier today has also revealed that certain consumers took loans from financial institutions to invest in this scheme; which is now causing financial havoc for them.

Consumers who believe they may have fallen victim to the EbayShop Online Recruitment pyramid scheme are encouraged to contact the Council immediately through the national consumer helpline at 155 or via email at complaints@consumersfiji.org.