The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission will be hiring more people to conduct surveys in areas that were affected by TC Josie and Keni and are receiving assistance through Government’s CARE programs.

Chief Executive, Joel Abraham says they currently have twelve officers but more people are needed particularly to get primary information from recipients and also see traders selling merchandises and observe certain practices.

Abraham says some officers faced disturbing actions from traders.

“Just recently, two of my officers were at a store just to get a sale, one of the sales people in the shop was saying, you need to swipe your card quickly otherwise government is going to take all this money back, which is misinformation, just in a bid to boost up their sale.”

Abraham adds anyone giving false information they can be fined up to $20,000.

While those found breaching the Act can be fined $50,000 and if anyone is charged or taken to court, they could face a maximum fine up to $250,000.