Consumer complaints and queries
If your query relates to your rights as a consumer, you may need advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). The website address is: www.accc.gov.au
Frequently requested information
Your rights, shopping & pricing
The ACCC provides information on the rights of the consumer, such as guarantees, warranties and refunds and advice on internet shopping. They also cover other issues such as phone services, misleading conduct, GST and pricing, medical and health services, professional services and international consumer issues.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/815311
How to complain
By knowing your consumer rights, you can approach businesses with more confidence. The ACCC provides guidance on how to complain.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/815327
Government consumer protection and fair trading agencies
Complaints about local traders may be more appropriately dealt with by state and territory offices of fair trading. The ACCC lists all state offices and gives their hotline numbers and other contact details.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/CBDQuickLinkResultsTopic/quickLinkId/816517
Consumer and business directory
The consumer and business directory (CBD) is a one-stop shop for you to quickly find the information you need to resolve consumer or small business problems. It allows you to search for the contact details of over 1600 private, community and government organisations that offer consumer and business complaint-handling services.
http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/8627
Financial queries
The MoneySmart website, run by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, offers free, simple guidance you can trust to help you make the best choices for your money. Put together by an experienced team of financial planners and consumer educators, the website covers superannuation, banking, investing, borrowing and credit, insurance, budgeting, scams, retirement income planning and unclaimed money. Includes links to calculators and tools to help you with your personal finances.
http://moneysmart.gov.au/
Scams
There are many different types of scams - online, phone, mail and face-to-face. Online scams, such as email 'phishing' scams are designed to trick you into giving away your money, passwords and personal details (such as your tax file number - TFN). Protect yourself. Never email your personal, credit card or online account details. Remember, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.
SCAMwatch
The SCAMwatch website provides information to help you recognise, report and protect yourself from scams or fraudulent behaviour.
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/693900
Phishing
‘Phishing’ refers to emails that trick people into giving out their personal and banking information; they can also be sent by SMS. These messages look like they come from legitimate businesses, normally banks or other financial institutions, telecommunications providers or government departments.
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/RequestsForYourAccountInformation
Lottery and competition scams (fake prizes)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission advice if you are told that you’ve won a lottery or competition.
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/LotteryCompetitionScams
For any other queries
For any other queries relating to consumer complaints, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission directly through their website.
