An electronic commerce platform, QNET, is deploying a multifaceted approach to combat fraudulent and illegitimate practices linked to its operations in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
From advocacy to sensitisation to collaboration to suasion and punitive measures, QNET said these moves have become important because of some criminally minded people, who used the brand to scam people, especially in West Africa.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists at the V-Convention Malaysia 2025 September Edition in Penang, Malaysia, organised by it, QNET Group Chief Communication Officer, Ramya Chandrasekaran, said the company is doing all things legally to tackle issues of misconceptions about its wellness and fitness products in Africa, especially in Nigeria.
For many years, the direct selling company’s image has been brought into disrepute by some unscrupulous elements.Under the QNET identity, these unscrupulous persons sometimes traffic people in and out of West Africa for selfish reasons. Chandrasekaran said there are media engagements, public education and awareness, social media campaigns and largely, stakeholder engagements.
The QNET GCCO noted that in Nigeria and many African countries, the industry had garnered attention for the wrong reasons due to the prevalence of pyramid schemes and fraudulent practices posing as legitimate direct-selling companies.
Chandrasekaran, who said the firm is also working with Interpol, explained that QNET has zero tolerance for any misrepresentation or unethical practices of Independent Representatives (IRs) promoting the business.
“We have a dedicated network compliance department that monitors our network of IRs.
“QNET provides comprehensive training programmes to equip IRs with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate ethically, avoid fraudulent practices and provide accurate information to potential customers.
“We have also joined forces with local law enforcement agencies to apprehend scammers misrepresenting our brand in Nigeria,” she stressed. She added that the company took the allegations of fraudulent practices very seriously and would take strong action against anyone found to be misrepresenting QNET.
According to her, QNET’s main focus is to maintain a trustworthy and fraud-free environment for its business operations in Africa. The QNET Chief said the firm had invested in comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate the public about the modus operandi of scammers and how to distinguish them from legitimate QNET’s independent representatives.
According to her, these initiatives are aimed at empowering individuals to make informed decisions and avoid falling victim to scams. She explained that by maintaining a strong moral compass, the company ensured that its representatives conducted business responsibly and transparently.
She, however, said that sometimes false allegations were made against some of the IRs, noting that several investigations are carried out before any IR is suspended or terminated.
With a new WhatsApp platform recently unveiled for faster interactions with IRs and other agents, Chandrasekaran said that customers could reach out to its support network to report any suspicious behavior and seek guidance on the legitimacy of transactions or representatives.
Speaking in the same vein, Chief Legal Officer, QNET, Nikhil Patel, said huge investments have gone into the training and development of its independent representatives.
He said that the company had remained steadfast in its commitment to combat misrepresentation and empower individuals with the knowledge needed to distinguish legitimate opportunities from scams.
