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The ACCC has instituted Federal Court proceedings against US-based Fitbit LLC for allegedly making false or misleading representations to consumers about their consumer guarantee rights under the Australian Consumer Law after their Fitbit wearable devices malfunctioned.
It is alleged that between around May 2020 and February 2022, Fitbit made false or misleading representations to consumers claiming they would not be entitled to a refund unless they returned a faulty product within 45 days of purchase or shipment.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb has welcomed the Governor General’s recent appointment of Catriona Lowe as ACCC Deputy Chair and applauded the contribution of departing Deputy Chair Delia Rickard.
Ms Lowe has been appointed for a five-year term from 27 January 2023 when Ms Rickard will finish her term after more than a decade with the ACCC.
When using a payment method other than cash, consumers should read any terms and conditions carefully. Businesses should be clear about the total price payable.
Ticket selling businesses must ensure they follow their obligations under consumer law. This includes ticket resellers.
The ACCC has today launched two internet sweeps to identify misleading environmental and sustainability marketing claims and fake or misleading online business reviews.
The sweeps are being conducted over the coming weeks as part of the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2022-23, with the broad aim of identifying deceptive advertising and marketing practices by businesses or industries.
Businesses must follow certain rules when gifts or prizes are offered. Cash back offers must clearly state any conditions.
There are ways that businesses can improve their customer loyalty schemes.
The ACCC’s Digital Platforms Services Inquiry will examine the state of competition for social media services in Australia as part of the sixth interim report of the ACCC’s five-year Digital Platform Services Inquiry.
The ACCC will also consider potential consumer issues, including the way that businesses are using social media advertising services such as display advertising, sponsored posts and paid influencers to engage with and advertise to consumers.