National Consumers' Day warning: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

On National Consumers’ Day*, the ACCC is telling consumers to watch out for scams with the message - if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! 

"Internet and other scams are a priority area for the ACCC and are a common cause of complaint to the Infocentre**", ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said today. 

"The internet is prime territory for scammers around the globe and truly outrageous claims are made, many that target vulnerability - claims, for example, for cures for serious illnesses, extravagant assertions of income-earning potential in work from home schemes, to get-rich quick.

"In early February, the ACCC coordinated the international ICPEN*** internet sweep, which was also on the theme of Too Good to be True. 

"At this stage the ACCC has contacted around 40 traders whose suspicious websites were identified during the Sweep.

"The results are very positive; around 60 per cent of the sites containing alleged misleading representations have at this stage been resolved.  This includes traders offering consumers full refunds, the removal of entire sites and the amendment or removal of misleading representations”.

The ACCC will work closely with a number of state offices of fair trading in relation to these matters.

To inform consumers about common types of scams, including internet scams and spam, the ACCC has today launched a new scams publication, Scams and spam. 

Tips to avoid getting caught include:

• avoid promises of instant wealth, 'free' gifts, incredible discounts and bargains
• read all the terms and conditions and fine print
• research the business: do an internet search on the name of the product/company, verify any contact and company details, and
• if unsure, delete! 

Background

*March 15 is National Consumers' Day which marks and promotes the rights of Australian consumers.  It is aligned with World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) which has been celebrated internationally since 1983. The rights promoted on WCRD include:

• the right to safety;
• the right to be informed;
• the right to choose;
• the right to be heard;
• the right to redress;
• the right to consumer education.

** ACCC Infocentre: 1300 302 502

***The International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network