Financial scams and fraud tops the list of pressing consumer complaints received by the Consumer Council of Fiji at the end of the 2023-2024 financial year.
The Council says both of this accounts for 958 cases and 29 percent of total complaints underscores the growing concern over fraudulent activities.
They say food and beverage complaints rank second with 508 cases, which include issues such as expired products, spoiled food, and poor hygiene in restaurants.
They say landlord-tenant disputes continue to be a widespread concern with 467 complaints where the tenants face challenges such as landlords refusing to refund bonds, illegal disconnection of utilities, unlawful eviction notices, rent increases despite the rent freeze, lack of tenancy agreements and failure to provide rent receipts.
Council CEO Seema Shandil says these top three categories is a critical areas of concern, stressing the need for vigilance.
Meanwhile, online shopping complaints rank fourth, with 239 cases linked to delivery problems, product quality, and fraudulent activities, reflecting the need to build trust in e-commerce.
The Consumer Council says public transport issues follow closely with 222 complaints, which include service schedule delays, incorrect fares, and poor customer service.
They say other notable complaints include 195 cases of faulty household electronic goods, 165 related to electronic and computer services, and 146 concerning VAT, receipts, and stamp duties.
They add that misleading advertisements and promotions account for 142 complaints, while hardware issues round out the list with 127 cases.
Shandil says the Council is committed to addressing these issues through monitoring, advocacy, and collaboration with the government and other agencies to ensure consumers are fully protected.
She adds it is crucial that consumers come forward and lodge their complaints so that they can take appropriate action.
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