Businesses who are caught giving false information to consumers assisted under the Homes CARE initiative will pay a maximum fine of over two hundred thousand dollars.

Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, Chief Executive Joel Abraham says they will ensure that these businesses are taken to task.

After setting up a joint task force last week, the Commission issued notices to sixteen traders in the Central and Western divisions in regard to the assistance.

Abraham says twelve businesses involved in the Farms CARE initiative have also been issued with similar notices.

He says both businesses and consumers should be cautious while accessing the Homes CARE Initiative.

“The penalties that are there are quite tough because the issue is serious and we want to make it clear to the businesses and to the consumers that both of you must exercise caution, care and responsibility in this entire exercise."

Abraham says their officers are currently on the ground monitoring businesses in various towns around the country.