FCCC Charges Hardware Company for Overcharging

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has charged Lonta Manufacturers Limited for overcharging Fijians who were recipients of the Fijian Government’s Farm Care

Scheme.

An investigation conducted by FCCC officers at its premises situated at 1 Rose Street, Lautoka found the company had engaged in unconscionable conduct against Fijian consumers.

FCCC chief executive officer, Joel

Abraham has strongly warned traders taking advantage of Fijians.

“The commission will find you and take the necessary steps to make you face the full brunt of the law,” Mr Abraham said. “Traders who engage in this type of unscrupulous behaviour breach the 2010 FCCC Act and harm ordinary Fijians. They will be charged and prosecuted by the commission. They face fines of up to $50,000.”

The hardware company in question is being charged with one count of unconscionable conduct

which is contrary to section 132 of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission Act 2010. They have also been charged under section 129 with one count of controlled goods not offered of sale except in accordance with the authorised price.

“We conduct unannounced investigations regularly, so traders who engage in such practices will not get away with it. We are fully committed to protecting the rights of Fijians,” Mr Abraham said. FCCC, being Fiji’s only consumer rights protection agency, ensures that the consumer rights of every single Fijian consumer are upheld.

Fijians are advised to contact FCCC if they find any trader breaching the 2010 FCCC Act by calling 892 1991.

For more information, please contact FCCC, Coordinator Operations, Mr Sanjay Menon on 8921991/ 9987785 or email: sanjay.menon@fccc.gov.fj