For most Australian consumers, carrying a mobile phone is an essential part of everyday life. However, the increased use of mobile phones also brings with it the potential that consumers are not fully aware of their rights and may be more susceptible to scams.
From today until Friday, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is taking part in National Law Week, focusing on mobile phone issues for consumers.
National Law Week is an annual event which aims to educate the community about the law, the legal system and the legal profession.
The ACCC's Regional Outreach Managers are joining in a range of activities with their local law organisations. They will attend court open days to explain the many ways the ACCC helps consumers and facilitate role plays in secondary schools to educate students about warranty and refund rights for mobile phones. The activities will help make all mobile phone users, from teenagers to the elderly, more aware of their consumer rights.
One of the main issues consumers must be aware of includes downloading of ringtones, games and other premium services. These services are frequently offered through a subscription and consumers may not actually understand the charges involved until they receive the bill or their credit disappears.
The continual evolution of scams also means that mobile phone users are being targeted, particularly those who use their phone for banking or making purchases. Scammers may pose as a bank representative or another organisation claiming to need personal details – when in fact they want to use them for scam purposes.
More information on these and other mobile phone issues can be found on the ACCC's website at www.accc.gov.au via the For consumers section. Scams can be reported or further information on scams obtained via the SCAMwatch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au.