SLICK SCAMMER SWINDLES CONSUMER

The Consumer Council of Fiji is issuing an alert to all Fijian consumers of an alleged con-artist who is duping consumers out of their hard-earned cash under false pretense.

This alert comes after the council received a complaint from a consumer who fell victim to a con-artist recently whereby, the individual in question posed as a freelancing sales agent and offered to sell PVC water tanks and treated pine posts.

The con-artist used his charm and persuasion to extract $1000 cash for these items and failed to supply it.

The individual in question, known as Raj, is a notorious con-artist who has been previously charged with multiple counts of impersonation, theft, absconding bail and obtaining financial advantage by deception.

The Consumer Council of Fiji chief executive officer, Seema Shandil, has urged consumers to be more alert and always check the credibility of such individuals who approach them offering products and services.

“Consumers should always confirm the identity of such individuals through credible identification such as valid business identification and do background check through online searches and if in doubt should immediately seek the council’s assistance to avoid losing their hard-earned cash to such dubious individuals,” Ms Shandil said.

Due to the criminal nature of the case, the council has forwarded the complaint to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Fiji Police Force for investigations and is closely working with the department in order to protect Fijian consumers.

Fijians coming in contact with any suspected con-artists are urged to call the council on the toll-free number 155 or lodge a complaint through the Consumer Council of Fiji mobile app.