ACCC takes legal action against Optus for ‘unconscionable’ sales practices
ACCC sues Optus over alleged unconscionable sales practices that impacted vulnerable customers.
Australia’s competition regulator, the ACCC, has filed a lawsuit against Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications, for alleged ‘unconscionable’ conduct in selling mobile phones and plans to vulnerable consumers. The ACCC claims that the company’s actions impacted around 429 customers, with a significant portion of these sales conducted at three stores in Darwin and Mount Isa. According to the ACCC, Optus financially benefited from these practices, which were reinforced by sales staff incentives.
ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb stated that Optus allegedly prioritised its own financial interests by clawing back commissions from sales staff but failed to remedy affected customers. The regulator seeks penalties, consumer redress, compliance measures, and court costs in the case.
Optus Interim CEO Michael Venter responded, confirming that disciplinary measures, including terminations, had been taken against implicated staff. Optus is also refunding affected customers, waiving outstanding debts, and allowing them to keep the devices they received.
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