Maker of bluetooth sex toy reaches $4m class action settlement
The manufacturer of a bluetooth-enabled sex toy has reached a US class action settlement of almost $4 million.
Consumer Affairs
ACCC boss slams big companies for treating customers 'so badly'
The head of the consumer watchdog says some large companies are deliberately trying to deceive customers and that the effects are widespread.
ACCC's case against Medibank hits potential stumbling block
The competition watchdog's case against Medibank over the company's alleged secret plan to sting customers with out of pocket hospital costs has hit a stumbling block, after the judge hearing the matter questioned a key plank of the law suit.
The terms and conditions that take 8 hours 59 minutes to read
A review of the Amazon Kindle terms and conditions by consumer group Choice has found the document takes around nine hours to read.
Medibank's secret plan for angry customers
Medibank Private geared up its call centres for customer blow back after it secretly changed its cover for health tests in hospital, a court has heard.
Medibank Private 'highhanded', 'cynical' in misleading consumers: ACCC
Medibank has been accused of misleading and deceptive conduct by the competition watchdog.
Power prices surge ahead of Hazelwood closure
The looming closure of the Hazelwood power station has prompted a surge in electricity prices in futures trading.
How butchers and greengrocers are short-changing shoppers
A new report reveals that many businesses are inaccurately measuring and labelling their products, such as meat, precious stones and bread.
Power deregulation is a consumer fail
The failure of Australia's electricity market has triggered a call for government to intervene.
'I felt completely deceived': meet the woman taking on Audi
On a spring day in 2015, criminal lawyer Robyn Richardson was driving her Audi A3 down a Sydney freeway when she heard news that nearly made her slam on the brakes.
Gas shortages make manufacturing impossible: ACCC
Queensland's gas exporters would be well advised to support the domestic market at this critical time, says the ACCC
Celebrity chef apologises for event described as the 'worst ever'
Celebrity chef Luke Mangan has "sincerely apologise[d]" to guests of a pop-up dinner event he catered, citing "operational challenges" beyond his control.
'It's a feeding frenzy': The problems with land titles privatisation
A source close to NSW's land titles registry sell-off says the process is being rushed and the wrong model is being used.
Nissan, Ford, BMW sue supplier over deadly airbags
Nissan, BMW of North America and Ford claim their airbag supplier Takata withheld information about faulty inflators, which have caused airbags to rupture and injure people.
Shoppers, creditors wait while fashion designer Jessica lives it up in Bali
Creditors to the company that formerly owned fashion label Shakuhachi are out almost $1 million, with little recompense in sight.
Appco case reveals dark underbelly of charity
When a company becomes embroiled in headlines that include young adults taking part in humiliating simulated sex act rituals, cross dressing or slithering on their bellies in a "sluggie" race as punishment for not meeting sales targets, it grabs attention.
Why a $15 bottle of wine can cost $75 in a restaurant
Why can you buy an entire bottle of wine for $15 at a bottle shop, while the cheapest option at the local Italian place is a $13 glass of Chianti?
Rideshare ventures gear up for children as Uber enforces underage rule
Overstretched parents are booking ridesharing services for their children.
Audi taken to court over emissions cheating scandal
The ACCC has taken Audi to court for using software to cheat tests and misleading consumers about true emissions levels.
Jetstar, Virgin handed penalties for 'drip pricing' techniques
Jetstar and Virgin Australia will pay penalties of hundreds of thousands of dollars for their use of "misleading and deceptive" pricing tactics.
'You must think the public are dumb': Egg farmers attacked on Facebook
Is it true that hens that aren't happy won't produce eggs? Because that's what caged egg farmers are claiming.
'Lollies on bread': Complaint about school lunch ad upheld
A complaint about a Bakers Delight billboard "advertising lollies on bread for school lunches" has been upheld.
'They keep passing the buck': Why Annie's still waiting for her dress
Online female fashion retailers Shakuhachi and Popcherry have landed on the most recent consumer complaints register.
Insurers reveal doctors are sharing full medical histories
You may not know it, but your doctor may transfer your full medical history to your life insurance provider, possibly in breach of doctor-patient confidentiality rules.
Sweet news: Chocolate is about to get cheaper
It's a good news day for chocolate lovers: Prices for chocolate are set to fall as the world cocoa market shifts from a deficit to the largest surplus in six years.
Cannabis bets take Aussie hedge fund to No.1
Bets on US marijuana companies helped an Australian manager soar 145 per cent last year to become the world's best-performing hedge fund.
The high price to hear again: 'It's extortionate behaviour'
Les thought buying hearing aids would be a simple exercise. But he soon found out otherwise.
'I've warned all my friends': How one click on this ad left Stacey with a debt notice
A Danish online retailer has been accused of sending consumers payment notices for products they never ordered.
Head lice killer linked to abnormal behaviour in children
Exposure to chemical insecticides called pyrethroids during pregnancy may affect your child's behaviour, a study shows.
Why the banks make it so hard for you to cancel your credit card
You can do almost all your banking online. So why can't you do the same to cancel a credit card?