Duped Franchisees Given ‘Hope’ By Minister

Radio New Zealand:

The victims of a franchise fraud say they have some hope for their financial situation after meeting a Government minister on Saturday.

The Serious Fraud Office is investigating complaints that a former Green Acres master franchisee sold bogus franchises to a number of people.

Many members from the Franchise Watch group took out bank loans to buy the contracts, and on Saturday they sought help from the Minister of Ethnic Affairs Chris Carter, in getting their repayments put on hold.

They say Mr Carter recommended their group take legal action and promised to give them names of lawyers who might help.