Scams, frauds and your business: the 2006 Competing Fairly Forum
In the 2006 Competing Fairly Forum ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel and small business, franchising and internet industry representatives examine false invoicing, e-commerce scams and business start/up business opportunity scams. These are the kinds of scams and frauds most likely to affect small businesses and people thinking of starting their own small business.
The panel discussion was moderated by Emma Alberici from the ABC’s The 7.30 Report. Panel members also advise businesses about how they can protect themselves from scams.
The main message of this year’s forum is that businesses as well as consumers should try to protect themselves from scams, and that they can do this by doing research and seeking advice when considering new offers and business opportunities. The forum was a reminder that ‘if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is’.
Scams, frauds and your business was launched on June 27 by Graeme Samuel at the Council Of Small Business Organisations of Australia’s (COSBOA's) National Small Business Summit. Screenings of the forum will be hosted by the ACCC’s Regional Outreach managers at locations across Australia beginning in mid-August.
For more information call the ACCC’s small business helpline on 1300 302 321.
Infant dummy safety hazard claims
Parents and carers were recently warned by the ACCC that dummies can become a choking hazard if the child can take the whole dummy into its mouth. The ACCC was investigating claims of safety hazards associated with dummies. In some cases it appeared that the size of dummy shields and the ventilation holes in those shields did not meet the specifications in the relevant voluntary Australian Standard.
The ACCC is seeking information from parents and carers about any safety-related incidents with the use of dummies. This information will help the ACCC develop its hazard evaluation. Information can be directed to the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.
Don't get scammed: start-up checklist for small business
The checklist covers key things to consider before signing any contracts, including:
warning signs to look for when buying a business
professional advice from lawyers, accountants and/or business advisers
financial and background information searches
ensuring representations are put in writing
reviewing documents before signing
qualifications or permits you might need
leasing issues.
ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel commented:
Starting a small business can be rewarding, however there is always a degree of risk involved. Managing these risks takes time and care. We recommend that all information relevant to the decision to invest in a small business is checked and verified prior to signing any contracts because sometimes what looks like a legitimate business opportunity may in fact be a fraud.
To order a copy of the checklist call the ACCC small business helpline on 1300 302 021.
Look before you leap: Franchisee start-up checklist
The Franchisee start-up checklist has been designed to help prospective franchisees make informed decisions about purchasing a franchise.
Joining a franchise system is a popular option for people seeking a career change or trying their hand at running a business. But it is important that prospective franchisees fully understand their legal rights and obligations before entering into a franchising agreement.
The checklist is a practical guide to requirements under the Franchising Code of Conduct and important franchising issues such as:
disclosure documentation
cooling-off periods
warning signs to watch out for.
By highlighting these issues in an accessible reference format the ACCC aims to alert prospective franchisees of their rights and obligations under the law so they can be better informed about the franchise system they choose to enter and can set realistic goals for their new franchise business.
To order a copy of the checklist call the ACCC small business helpline on 1300 302 021.
