Consumer Council has received 155 complaints regarding misleading advertisements since 2016

The Consumer Council of Fiji has received 155 complaints worth more than $191,931 regarding misleading advertisements since 2016.

Council CEO Premila Kumar, says that is concerning and is urging consumers to watch out for misleading advertisements when shopping in marketplaces.

Kumar says based on the nature of complaints received, the most common issues were discount prices advertised not reflected at point of sale, discount prices advertised was the same or more than the normal price of product and advertised products not meeting specifications as listed by a trader.

She says consumers buying only a few products can instantly notice the difference in prices charged to them and rectify the problem, however consumers who buy in bulk are not so fortunate.

Kumar also advises consumers not to rush when products are on special in supermarkets, as rushed and impulse shopping often results in regrets.