SELLING of low quality mobile phones is a major concern for the general public.

Lots of duplicated phone brands with fake utilities are being sold on the street and in many shops in Honiara.

Report reaching this paper revealed that most mobile phones are not functioning well especially in the provinces, meaning that most of the phones are fake, low quality ones.

When contacted yesterday the office of Consumer Affairs said they have no power to put a definite stop on selling of these products, but can help customers to retrieve their money if customers are unhappy with products they bought.

Senior Officer of Consumer Affair, within the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration Mr Allan Atu said the current Act that mandates Consumer Affairs is unable to cover appliances to stop such activities.

However he said there are processes the Consumer Affair can take to address such issue.

“First we can assist customers to retrieve their money from those who sell the product, second we will monitor people’s concern over particular products and if we found that the products are of really bad quality, we will then press charges on the registered business who sold the products,” Mr Atu explained.

He advises customers who have doubts on products to ask for receipts when buying any product.

Mr Atu said receipts are very important as it will help Consumer Affairs Officers to give evidence to those who sell the products when trying to retrieve customer’s money.

“If you have any doubt on any product you want to buy either be on the street or shops, ask for receipt because the receipt will help our officers to deal with those who sell the product.

“Customers must understand that they have all the right to ask for receipt,” he explained.

In the meantime Mr Atu urges the general public to buy products like mobile phones from registered companies and not the street vendors.

He said quality products can be costly but the service of the product can be effective and long lasting.

Mr Atu said Our Telekom and Bemobile are the recognised entities who sell quality phones and that people must go to these two companies to buy phones.

This paper understands that those selling phones on the street buy their licence from the Honiara City Council.

Attempts to get information and comments from Honiara City Council was unsuccessful yesterday.