Unconscionable conduct—harsh and oppressive practices to consumers

When you are selling products or services, you must not act unconscionably – whether it be to consumers or another business.

You should take particular care if your business engages in particular sales practices such as door to door selling or telemarketing, or when dealing with potentially disadvantaged or vulnerable consumers. The ACCC has successfully prosecuted businesses for engaging in unconscionable conduct towards Indigenous consumers, elderly consumers, small businesses owners from non-English speaking backgrounds, and franchisees.

For more information on what unconscionable conduct is, check out Unconscionable conduct between businesses.

The ACCC has also produced the Unconscionable Conduct: Business Snapshot publication, which uses actual court examples and provides practical tips for businesses to minimise not only the risk of becoming a victim of unconscionable conduct, but also how to avoid engaging in such conduct towards consumers and other businesses.