Consumer Council of Fiji urging Fijians to be careful of COVID-19 charity scam

The Consumer Council of Fiji is urging Fijians to be careful of COVID-19 charity scam.

This is after the Council received a complaint from a consumer where a trader had posted on social media that a certain amount from the total purchase will be given to donor agent to provide relief to those affected by impact of COVID–19.

However, the Council says investigations revealed that there were no such arrangements between the donor agent and the trader involved.

CEO Seema Shandil says they have generous people around and no doubt that people are going to be supporting organizations, groups and individuals participating in Coronavirus and TC Harold relief efforts.

Shandil adds therefore, those who wish to make charitable donations should take simple steps to make sure that their donations are going where they are meant to go.

She further says with a little research and a few precautions, people can help ensure their donations go to organizations that are genuinely serving others, and help identify potential charity scams.

Shandil says don’t assume that charity recommendations on Facebook or other social media are legitimate.

Consumers are encouraged to exercise caution and to report suspected charity scams to the Council via National toll-free line 155 or email Complaints@consumersfiji.org.