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 consumer rights
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.
www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/3667
How to complain
By knowing your consumer rights, you can approach businesses with more confidence. The ACCC provides guidance on how to complain.
www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/815327
Government consumer protection & 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.
www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/325459
Consumer & business directory
The consumer & 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.
www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/8627
Scams and fraudulent behaviour queries
The SCAMwatch website provides information to help you recognise, report and protect yourself from scams or fraudulent behaviour.
Financial queries
FIDO is the consumer website of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). It provides financial tips and safety checks for Australian consumers and investors and covers superannuation, financial advice, shares, managed funds, insurance, banking, credit, debt, money management, investing, financial information and unclaimed money.
Lotteries
People receiving material from organisations promoting Australian lotteries are advised to treat this material with caution. Some of these organisations do not have official accreditation and the material supplied by them may be misleading. As the activities of some of these organisations are occurring offshore, they are outside the jurisdiction of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
Fake Australian lottery causes confusion overseas
People around the world are being sent emails telling them that they have won a fortune in a fake Australian lottery that claims to be endorsed by the Australian Government. Consumers are advised that the Australian Government does not operate a national lottery and the Australian Lotto Lottery (or similar) has not been endorsed or authorised by the Australian Government.
www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/724439
Lottery and competition scams (fake prizes)
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission advice if you are told that you’ve won a lottery or competition.
www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/LotteryCompetitionScams
For any other queries
For any other queries relating to consumer complaints or queries, please contact the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission directly through their website.
