The Consumer Council of Fiji is warning of phony traders who are setting up fake companies to con people out of money.
The council said the latest case involved a Labasa school that received an email from phony trader, Pacific Technologies Office Supplies, offering desktop computers for sale.
The council said the phony trader sent mass emails advertising products and specials.
Photo: RNZ
In March, the school paid over $US3000 for computers but did not receive the products despite repeated assurances that delivery would be made.
Investigations by the council proved that the company was set up for the purpose of obtaining money by deception.
The council said while there were legitimate traders who use email platforms, there were also numerous phony traders who were using email offers to fleece consumers.
The council advises consumers to be extremely wary of these sales tactics.
