QNET strategise to combat fraudulent activities in direct selling industry
Na'ankwat Dariem, Penang ,Malaysia
A renowned e-commerce company, QNET, says it has rolled out strategies to combat fraudulent activities and proliferation of disinformation and misinformation” about Direct Selling Industry across the world.
It says the proactive measures it is taking is to address and mitigate the issue of scammers and scamming-related activities associated with the direct selling industry and misrepresentation associated with its operations in Africa.
QNET, also noted that it would work across the direct selling industry to ensure best practices were followed, including transparency, realistic expectations of partners and accurate product descriptions and claims.
QNET is a direct selling company that offers a wide range of products in the areas of health, wellness, lifestyle and education through an e-commerce platform.
Voice of Nigeria reports that in many emerging markets, the growth of the gig economy and arrival of innovative new business models different from traditional trade were not only unregulated but often misunderstood.
At a roundtable with journalists from West Africa who are currently in Malaysia, attending the annual V-CONVENTION Malaysia, a gathering of QNET’s Independent Representatives across the world, the Deputy Chairperson for QNET, Malou Caluza said these initiatives were aimed at empowering individuals to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to scams.
She noted the company would work across the direct selling industry to ensure best practices were followed. She further said the company also has guidelines and policies for its Independent Representatives IRs to strictly adhere to.
“These guidelines explicitly prohibit any form of unethical practices, misrepresentations, or fraudulent activities. By maintaining a strong moral compass, the company ensures that its representatives conduct business responsibly and transparently,” Caluza explained.
According to Ms Caluza, QNET has invested in comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the scammers and how to distinguish them from legitimate QNET’s Independent Representatives, IRs.
“One is obviously the investigation of the sanction process, but the other side is also the proactive approach of training and educating our IRS on how to conduct the business properly. It Just launched a local hotline in west Africa where our IRC can call to lay complaints,” She said.
The Deputy Chairperson added that what the company has put in place is continual monitoring of the activities of its IRs and other actors in its ecosystem.
Similarly, the Chief Legal Officer for QNET, Nikhil Patel, said QNET works closely with local law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies, and consumer protection organizations in various countries in Africa to identify and report fraudulent activities.
“By actively cooperating with authorities, QNET aids in the apprehension and prosecution of scammers to deter illegal practices within its network,” he explained.
Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer for QNET, Trevor Kuna, said the company has implemented a robust monitoring systems to identify any suspicious activities or deviations from its policies.
Group Chief Communications Officer of the QI Group Ramya Chandrasekaran explained that the company has a customer support system for individuals to make enquires about the company or concerns about fraudulent activities.
“Customers can reach out to this support network to report any suspicious behavior and seek guidance on the legitimacy of transactions or representatives, and we are very passionate about this because it defines how serious we take our business,” He explained
The Regional General Manager for QNET’s Sub-Saharan Africa Operations, Biram Fall disclosed that the company has invested heavily in the training and development of its independent representatives.
“By providing comprehensive training programs, we equip our IRs with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate ethically, avoid fraudulent practices, and provide accurate information to potential customers,” he noted.
