The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission says in less than 3 months they have successfully prosecuted 12 traders for overcharging and given the seriousness of the offence, the courts have imposed a maximum fine of $10,000 for some traders.
CEO, Joel Abraham says they will not tolerate unscrupulous traders trying to take unfair advantage of Fijian consumers by unreasonably increasing the prices of goods and services because of this COVID-19 pandemic.
Abraham says since the rise of complaints received for overcharging, FCCC continues to pay particular attention to this offence under the FCCC Act 2010.
He says traders are taking advantage of this COVID-19 pandemic to charge excessive prices for goods and services by selling the goods and services significantly above their usual price.
Abraham adds their biggest priority is to protect Fijian consumers from being misled or cheated.
He says their special response teams are out and about actively monitoring for price increases by unscrupulous traders trying to unfairly benefit from the current situation.
