ACCC obtains $11,510 in refunds from introduction agency

Former members of an introduction agency will receive refunds totalling $11,510 from Country Contacts International Pty Ltd and its director, Ms Voula Saris, after an Australian Competition and Consumer Commission investigation.

The ACCC was concerned CCI published advertisements depicting a woman who was available to meet men in a local area when in fact the descriptions were often untrue and it was unknown whether the woman was available to meet men in the particular area.

It also received complaints alleging CCI induced male customers to pay additional administration fees, fees for services and fees not charged in error, when these fees had already been paid or were not required to be paid to receive services.

CCI and Ms Saris assisted the ACCC with its investigation into their own conduct and continue to provide assistance in respect of other introduction services.

CCI and Ms Saris have undertaken to:

• provide refunds to former members totalling $11,510
• only use images and descriptions of women in advertisements if the woman has given written consent
• not represent to customer certain fees are due when it knows this not to be the case or has no reason to believe it is the case
• implement a trade practices law compliance program, and
• develop a complaints handling system.

ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said the undertakings would ensure that Ms Saris and her company comply with the law.

"Companies must be clear and upfront to consumers about the services they are going to provide."