Online scams scanned for consumer protection
Posted by editor (editor) on Sep 22 2009
2009 >>

The Office of Fair Trading is joining forces with interstate consumer agencies and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) as part of a global effort to combat online scams.

The 2009 International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN) Internet Sweep will seek to identify online traders who are targeting vulnerable consumer affected by the financial crisis.

Thousands of websites and emails will be scrutinised this week by ICPEN consumer protection agencies in a worldwide sweep for online traders illegally misleading consumers.

This includes too-good-to-be-true job offers and business opportunities along with exaggerated claims for weight loss solutions and questionable medical cures.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the online sweep would identify websites which were set up to mislead and deceive consumers.

“Websites that are picked up by the search will be swept for possible breaches of the relevant Fair Trading legislation in each state,” Mr Lawlor said.

“The unfortunate reality is that some traders deliberately set out to take advantage of people’s financial difficulties in the current economic climate.

“This exercise will help to expose websites that are illegally capitalising on the economic downturn.”

Mr Lawlor said there were a few steps consumers could follow to avoid getting caught:

• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails including those that appear to relate to major financial issues, major social events or natural disasters;
• Avoid promises of instant wealth, incredible discounts and bargains, and ‘free’ gifts;
• Beware of products or treatments that are advertised as a quick and effective cure-all for a wide range of ailments or for an undiagnosed pain;
• Read all the terms and conditions and fine print;
• Be very wary of testimonials claiming astounding results;
• Ask around, get professional advice particularly if considering sending large amounts of money; and
• Research the business: Know who you are dealing with. Do an internet search on the name of the product/company, verify any contact and company details
• For more information on scams go to www.scamwatch.gov.au

The 2009 ICPEN internet sweep, which is being led this year by the ACCC, involves almost 40 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy and China.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 4:33 PM