Aussie regulator drags Optus to ourt over alleged misconduct in mobile sales
Australia's competition watchdog, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, has filed a lawsuit against Optus, owned by Singapore Telecommunications, alleging misconduct in the sale of mobile phones and plans, particularly targeting vulnerable customers.
The ACCC claimed that Optus' sales practices had a "disproportionate" impact on consumers and were allegedly influenced by commission structures for sales staff.
"In some cases, we allege Optus took steps to protect its financial interests by clawing back commissions from sales staff while failing to provide remediation for affected consumers," said ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb.
The allegations centre on claims that Optus acted unconscionably in its dealings with approximately 429 customers, engaging in inappropriate sales practices.
The ACCC is seeking various legal remedies, including declarations, penalties, non-party consumer redress, publication orders, a compliance program, and costs associated with the case.
The alleged misconduct involves 363 customers from two Optus stores in Darwin, 42 customers from a store in Mount Isa, and 24 additional customers from locations across Australia.
In response, an Optus spokesperson stated that the company is currently reviewing the regulator's claims and will provide a detailed response in due course.
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