The taskforce currently investigating traders who are taking advantage of the CARE programmes have issued 28 notices in the first week of investigation.

Officers from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission and Consumer Council have issued notices to 16 traders in the central and western division in regards to the Homes-Care initiative.

Twelve businesses involved in the Farms-Care initiative have also been issued with similar notices so far.

The CARE programmes have been initiated for post cyclone relief assistance.

The main objective of the taskforce is to ensure the assistance which is targeted towards the vulnerable victims of natural disasters are not taken advantage of by some unscrupulous traders and businesses.

It has come to light that some traders are taking advantage of the initiatives by hiking prices of items to be sold under the initiative and some traders seem to be accepting payments and asking for the items to be delivered at a later date.

Such claims are now being actively investigated.

Alternatively, the FCCC and CCOF is urging consumers to also act responsibly and not abuse the assistance programs initiated by the government.

Those found to be misusing the Homes-Care initiative or providing false and misleading information may be liable for fine of up to $20,000 or an imprisonment term of up to ten years.