Settlement Guide: 5 tips to avoid being ripped off

Do you know your consumer rights? Many new migrants to Australia are not aware that there are laws in place to prevent you from being taken advantage of.

Empty pockets

Avoid being out of pocket Source: Pixabay

Knowing your consumer rights can save you money - here's five tips recommended by the 
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
 to help you avoid getting ripped off.

Keep your receipts

The GST component is seen printed on a grocery receipt in Canberra
Two separate briefings from Treasury to government highlight the reasons not to pursue a GST hike. (AAP) Source: AAP
Make sure you ask for a receipt or proof of purchase when buying products or services. Also, always keep your records of your purchases in a safe place because you might need it in the future. Businesses must provide you with a receipt for anything over $75.

Ask for a repair, replacement or refund

Sewing
Sewing and repairs Source: Pixabay
The Australian Consumer Law 
consumer guarantees
 give you the right to ask for a repair, replacement or refund. 

Understand the contract before you sign

Sign contract
Source: Pixabay
Every time you you buy goods or services, you are entering into a contract. Before you do, make sure you understand what you are agreeing to.

Watch out for misleading prices

supermarket
Competition and heavy discounting from supermarkets are weighing on the value of retail spending. (AAP) Source: AAP
In Australia all prices should be genuine and displayed so you can easily see the total price. Watch out for multiple prices on a product or in advertising. The seller should fix the display or sell you the item at the lowest price.

Be aware of online shopping scams

A credit card is held in front an online shopping site
More than 80 per cent of Australians aged 55 and over shop online, according to an eCommerce survey. (AAP) Source: AAP
Be careful where and how you shop online! Scammers can set up fake websites or fake advertisements on genuine retailers’ sites.

Organisations who can help you:

The
 Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)
 is the national competition regulator and consumer law guardian. The ACCC promotes competition and fair trading to make markets work for everyone. 
Visit their website here
.  

Choice
 investigates consumer issues and helps consumers take action and make complaints. 
Visit their website here
. 

MoneySmart 
provides detailed advice on consumer rights and obligations.
 Visit their website here
.  

Austrade
 is the government agency where travellers who believe they have been treated unfairly by a business while in Australia can lodge a complaint. 
Visit their website here
.

The 
Treasury
 provides advice on Australia’s competition and consumer policy framework. 
Visit their website here
.

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2 min read
Published 25 January 2017 4:40pm
By Ildiko Dauda

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