We’re sad to hear the news of no immediate plans for season 7 of . The show's producers, writers & hosts have done an incredible job over the years informing Australians about consumer rights & holding businesses to account. We need shows like the Checkout #accccccc
ACCC
@acccgovau
We promote competition and fair trading in markets. This benefits you, whether you’re a consumer or run a business.
An official account of the ACCC.
ACCC’s posts
No refunds? No way! You’ve got the same rights on sale items as you do on full priced ones bit.ly/12JtV3N
News: Samsung in court for misleading phone water resistance advertisements
We are aware of the significant public concern about the pricing of rapid antigen tests. We're contacting suppliers and monitoring the situation very closely. accc.gov.au/media-release/
We've launched action in the Federal Court alleging Qantas engaged in false, misleading or deceptive conduct by advertising tickets for more than 8,000 flights that it had already cancelled but not removed from sale.
A new law will offer small businesses protections against unfair contract terms bit.ly/1NXuxJ8
We've instituted Federal Court proceedings against Facebook owner Meta, alleging that they engaged in false, misleading or deceptive conduct by publishing scam advertisements featuring prominent Australian public figures. accc.gov.au/media-release/
Want email updates on new resources, law changes or small business events? Sign up today accc.gov.au/sbin
We’ve made 56 recommendations to improve electricity affordability for Australian consumers and businesses. If adopted, the average household can save between 20-25% on their electricity bill.
The Federal Court has found that Google misled consumers about personal location data collected through Android mobile devices between January 2017 and late 2018, in a world-first action brought by the ACCC. accc.gov.au/media-release/
News: Trivago misled consumers about hotel room rates
If your company deals with small businesses, find out what you need to know about the new unfair contract terms law
The Federal Court today ordered that Telstra pay $50 million in penalties for engaging in unconscionable conduct when it sold mobile contracts to more than 100 Indigenous consumers across three states and territories, in proceedings brought by the ACCC. accc.gov.au/media-release/
The ACCC has announced that it will not accept a long-term behavioural undertaking offered by Google that sought to address competition concerns about its proposed acquisition of wearables supplier and manufacturer Fitbit. accc.gov.au/media-release/
We're urging Australians to be wary of phone messages from a family member or friend claiming they need help, following a significant rise in 'Hi Mum' scams. More than 1,150 people fell victim to the scam, with total reported losses of $2.6 million. bit.ly/3Kh7VoA
We’re delighted to share the news our Chair Rod Sims has been appointed for an additional 3-year term to 2022.
We've launched Federal Court proceedings against Google, alleging they misled Australian consumers to obtain consent to expand the scope of info they could collect and combine about consumers’ internet activity, for their use, including for targeted ads. ow.ly/Km5v50AIyOu
News: ACCC releases preliminary report into Google, Facebook and Australian news and advertising
News: Google allegedly misled consumers on collection and use of location data
The Federal Court has ordered Lorna Jane to pay $5 million in penalties for making false and misleading representations to consumers, and engaging in conduct liable to mislead the public regarding the promotion and supply of its LJ Shield Activewear. accc.gov.au/media-release/
Been offered an extended warranty? Ask what it offers over your automatic consumer guarantees bit.ly/ZC97a6
News: Holistic, dynamic reforms needed to address dominance of digital platforms
After we received hundreds of complaints from customers offered credits by Qantas instead of refunds, Qantas has begun contacting its customers to tell them they are entitled to refunds for domestic or international flights impacted by travel restrictions. ow.ly/RVbs50AbX2e
We've instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against each of Telstra, Optus and TPG for alleged breaches of the Australian Consumer Law in their promotions of some 50Mbps and 100Mbps NBN plans. accc.gov.au/media-release/
News: ACCC takes action against Apple over alleged misleading consumer guarantee representations
We are experiencing high volumes of enquiries due to travel and event cancellations related to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Read our advice for consumers for the latest on consumer rights, travel and event cancellations relating to COVID-19.
accc.gov.au/covid-19
The Federal Court has ordered that HealthEngine pay $2.9 million in penalties for engaging in misleading conduct in relation to the sharing of patient personal info to private health insurance brokers and publishing misleading patient reviews and ratings. ow.ly/p7uU50B4cPJ
The Federal Court ordered Google LLC to pay $60 million in penalties for making misleading representations to consumers about the collection and use of their personal location data on Android phones in 2017 and 2018, in proceedings brought by the ACCC. bit.ly/3Qr3ERK
Our response to Facebook’s statement regarding the draft news media bargaining code:
News: ACCC takes ticket reseller Viagogo to court
We have instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Lorna Jane for alleged false or misleading claims about its 'Anti-virus Activewear', in breach of Australian Consumer Law. accc.gov.au/media-release/
We welcome the Australian Government’s commitment to establish a National Anti-Scam Centre.
The National Anti-Scam Centre will be phased in from 1 July 2023, with capability to be built over the next three years. bit.ly/3o5Kckf
News: Beware of scammers impersonating energy and telecommunications companies
The Federal Court has ordered Trivago to pay penalties of $44.7 million for making misleading representations about hotel room rates on its website and in television advertising, in proceedings brought by the ACCC. bit.ly/3K55Lq4
Problem with a gift? Your consumer guarantees still apply with proof of purchase bit.ly/ZC7v04
Did you know that store signs saying ‘No refunds’ or ‘No refunds on sale items’ are illegal? Know your rights bit.ly/1n3q5fv
Australians lost over $850 million to scams last year, with investment scams, romance scams and payment redirection scams accounting for almost 70% of those losses. Read more below in this year's Targeting Scams Report.
scamwatch.gov.au/scam-statistic
If you’re a current or former journalist we’d like to hear your views on how digital platforms like Facebook, Google and Twitter are impacting journalism in Australia. Join our forum on 15 August in Sydney or have your say online
The ACCC has welcomed Etihad’s recent decision to offer refunds to all consumers who purchased Etihad tickets in Australia which were then cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, even if they previously accepted a flight credit. ow.ly/HMSI50AJIX8
News: Court finds ticket reseller Viagogo misled consumers
We're running a sweep to identify misleading testimonials and endorsements by social media influencers, and will include more than 100 influencers mentioned in tip-offs from consumers who responded to our Facebook post. bit.ly/3wRykDz
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With Google's dominance in the search engine market, what is the ACCC proposing to offer greater choice to consumers when buying a new mobile device? We sat down with ACCC Chair Rod Sims to explain.
Learn more: accc.gov.au/media-release/
The Federal Government has directed us to investigate how banks set interest rates for savers, including differences with how rates are set for home loans. bit.ly/40U9EYH
We've decided not to authorise proposed regional mobile network arrangements between Telstra and TPG. The proposed arrangements will likely lead to less competition in the longer term and leave Australian mobile users worse off over time. bit.ly/3HMCp2q
News: Federal Court finds Valve made misleading representations about consumer guarantees
Today is #WorldConsumerRightsDay and this year's theme is 'Trusted smart products'. consumersinternational.org/what-we-do/wor
News: Jetstar, Tigerair, Qantas and Virgin Australia to fix refund policies
Are you a small business? Sign up to the ACCC’s email updates for the latest news and events bit.ly/1PJl5ei
We have instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Facebook and two of its subsidiaries for false, misleading or deceptive conduct when promoting Facebook’s Onavo Protect mobile app to Australian consumers. accc.gov.au/media-release/
News: Criminal cartel charges to be laid against ANZ
Gina Cass-Gottlieb has today commenced her term as Chair of the ACCC. She replaces Rod Sims, who has left the position after 11 years, and is the first female Chair of the ACCC since it was established as an independent statutory authority in 1995. accc.gov.au/media-release/
News: Criminal cartel charges to be laid against Deutsche Bank accc.gov.au/media-release/
"We need to increase the consequences for invasion of privacy .. and we need to increase the effectiveness of privacy law." - Rod Sims
Our interim report into the childcare sector examined the price and availability of childcare services, how households select services and the impact of Government contributions. We'll look at the pricing practices and operating costs in coming months. bit.ly/3XEVObf
News: Equifax (formerly Veda) to pay $3.5 million in penalties
Businesses can’t make statements that are incorrect or likely to create a false impression bit.ly/1qiK
Oscar Wylee has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $3.5 million in penalties for misleading or deceptive conduct and making false or misleading representations about its charitable donations and affiliations, in breach of Australian Consumer Law. bit.ly/3msS9ut
In 2022-23, we're focusing our efforts on 12 key areas related to current and emerging issues in consumer and fair trading, competition, infrastructure and product safety.
Sign up to our free Small Business Info Network and get the latest news sent to your inbox bit.ly/1PJl5ei
News: Ban on excessive surcharging by large businesses starts today bit.ly/2bRIcBY
News: Beware scammers wanting access to your computer and bank account
News: ACCC takes action against Click Energy for misleading savings claims
In a report released today, we have found that app developers need fair and reasonable terms when dealing with app stores and better process for the approval of apps to help address the consequences of Google and Apple’s power in the app market. accc.gov.au/media-release/
News: ACCC commences inquiry into digital platforms
We have significant concerns about the price of rapid antigen tests. Tests often cost $20-30 and sometimes over $70 a test, despite wholesale costs of $3.95-$11.45, according to our initial analysis of information from the public, suppliers and retailers. accc.gov.au/media-release/
An ACCC inquiry into the ad tech sector has identified competition concerns that may harm publishers, advertisers and consumers. accc.gov.au/media-release/
The Federal Court has ordered iSelect Limited to pay $8.5 million in penalties for making false or misleading representations about its electricity comparison service. Read more: bit.ly/3lsQu6N
"The ACCC’s case against Telstra exposes extremely serious conduct which exploited social, language, literacy and cultural vulnerabilities of Indigenous consumers. This is not how companies should behave." - ACCC Chair, Rod Sims
Read more on this case: accc.gov.au/media-release/
We've instituted Federal Court proceedings against Fitbit LLC for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers about their consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law after their Fitbit wearable devices malfunctioned. bit.ly/3F90Fud
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The Federal Court has found online retailer Kogan breached the Australian Consumer Law by making false and misleading representations about a tax time sales promotion, in proceedings brought by the ACCC. Read more: ow.ly/MGr950AAGC4
We've instituted court proceedings against Retail Food Group alleging that it acted unconscionably and engaged in false, misleading and deceptive conduct when it sold or licensed 42 loss-making corporate stores to incoming franchisees between 2015-2019. accc.gov.au/media-release/
A furry friend might be the perfect companion right now, but please keep yourself out of trouble when seeking one. Australians have lost nearly $300,000 to puppy scams this year: read our advice on sniffing out a puppy scam, & how to keep yourself safe. 🐾 ow.ly/HCY550zINhS
We’ll be investigating a number of businesses for potential ‘greenwashing’, following an internet sweep which found more than half of the businesses reviewed made concerning claims about their environmental or sustainability practices. bit.ly/3EOs03N
Social media is now the most common method dating & romance scammers use to contact potential victims bit.ly/2kAd7a4
Have your say on the 23 recommendations in our Digital Platforms Report. Public consultation is open now, and will conclude 24th October.
News: Record $26.5m penalty and $56m repayment ordered against training college Empower Institute
Telstra, Optus, and TPG have been ordered by the Federal Court to pay a total of $33.5 million in penalties for making misleading statements to consumers when promoting certain NBN plans. bit.ly/3tiX1qw
Misconduct in the financial services: what will the Royal Commission change for vulnerable consumers #ConsumerCongress2019
News: iPhone and iPad misrepresentations cost Apple Inc $9 million in penalties
The Full Federal Court has upheld our penalty appeal in a case against workplace relations advisor Employsure and ordered them to pay a penalty of $3 million for making false and misleading representations in its online ads. bit.ly/3YCHdN3
If you’re concerned about electricity prices or have trouble understanding your bill, join our public forums. bit.ly/2te7nr4
News: ACCC releases blueprint to reduce electricity prices
News: Electricity report details affordability, competition issues
The ACCC has outlined concerns over Google's proposed acquisition of Fitbit, noting that Google's access to consumer health data may raise entry barriers, and adversely affect competition in several digital advertising and health markets. ow.ly/3J4D50AaY3I
We've instituted Federal Court proceedings against Uber. Uber admits it breached the Australian Consumer Law by making false or misleading statements to consumers in its app in cancellation warning messages and Uber Taxi fare estimates. bit.ly/3Ljno6X
News: ACCC takes action against Murray Goulburn
Help wanted: we’re looking for 16,000 Australian households
to test broadband speeds. Sign up at: accc.gov.au/consumers/inte
We’ve decided not to grant merger authorisation for ANZ to acquire Suncorp’s banking arm. bit.ly/45fvtTM
Australia is the first country in the world to have a button battery safety standard that applies across all consumer product categories. Last night's episode of Australian Story showed why this is so important. Watch it here:
News: Jetstar to pay $1.95 million for false or misleading claims on refunds
Do you have a flight, cruise or that’s been cancelled?
We expect you will receive a refund or credit note, in most circumstances. However, if your travel is cancelled due to government restrictions, this impacts your rights.
Read our full advice here. bit.ly/3457W9Q
It’s National Consumer Fraud Week! Find out how to protect yourself against scammers: bit.ly/1TE6u03
