Can You Easily (Cheaply) Sue or Report False Advertising?

amrdeus on 13/01/2023 - 11:01

I had the option of 3 'prizes' from somewhere: $100 woolies/Bunnings voucher or 10x Accomodation vouchers from a business I won't name. The deals on this voucher looked worth more than $100 value so I went with them.

The voucher offered things like $400 for 5 nights Accomodation…etc.

When I went/go to book my stays they say that those options are no longer available but they can offer me the same package for like $1000 (might as well just book anywhere else). The vouchers do have fine print saying that some offers might not be available.

But here is my issue… their vouchers just cover their "offers" that can be found on their website. Every single offer (dozens) that's decent is unavailable when asked. Essentially, they'll advertise a low rate then double it when asked.

I of course have long given up on using these vouchers, but scams like this need to be reported to protect others. Can I do anything?

General Discussion

Comments

  • elgrande on 13/01/2023 - 11:07

    So how much did you pay for the vouchers?

    • amrdeus on 13/01/2023 - 11:54
      +1

      Nothing. It was like a reward. Just missed out on getting a $100 Bunnings voucher.

  • pegaxs on 13/01/2023 - 11:15

    Sue for what exactly??

    • brendanm on 13/01/2023 - 11:23
      +1

      Mental anguish obviously.

    • Muzeeb on 13/01/2023 - 11:26
      +1

      CoMpEnSaTiOn

    • SF3 on 13/01/2023 - 11:44
      +2

      People allowing themselves to be suckered.

    • amrdeus on 13/01/2023 - 11:56
      +3

      Well, it did really mess up our holiday plans since I've been trying to book things with them for 6 months now. But I mostly just want to put a stop to what seems like a very scammy practice.

      • brendanm on 13/01/2023 - 15:14
        +1

        What you need to do, is stop and think next time. If 2 of the "prizes" and $100 vouchers, and the third option is accommodation worth potentially thousands, pause and ask yourself if this seems like a realistic situation. Ponder to yourself as to whether there could possibly be a catch in this circumstance.

        • SF3 on 13/01/2023 - 16:25

          People think they found a high value vulnerability and thought they could exploit it. I guess that backfired for OP and others looking for bargains on gumtree/fb marketplace.

  • HairyChickens on 13/01/2023 - 11:23

    I heard Sue is a nice woman

  • andresampras on 13/01/2023 - 11:52
    +1

    The vouchers do have fine print saying that some offers might not be available.

    This makes your 'false advertising' claim completely incorrect, I'd say.

    Why aren't you mentioning the seller?

    • amrdeus on 13/01/2023 - 11:58
      +2

      This is why I didn't argue with the first 5 offers that were unavailable, but they are literally still advertising offers on their website and not giving me reasons I can't redeem them.

      Not mentioning seller because I think OzB doesn't like getting in potential legal issues. When I'm home I might show you their emails to show how scammy it is.

  • Benoffie on 13/01/2023 - 11:54
    +3

    Report bait advertising to the ACCC

    'Bait advertising is the practice of promoting prices, often ‘sale’ prices, on products that are:
    not available, or
    available only in very limited quantities.

    It is not misleading if the business is upfront and clear about the product being:
    in short supply, or
    on sale for a limited time.'

    https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/advertising-and-promotions…

    • amrdeus on 13/01/2023 - 11:58
      +3

      This is exactly what I was after. Thanks very much for this!

      • bobbified on 13/01/2023 - 12:17
        +3

        I don't think you should expect much from a single complaint. It is the ACCC that you're complaining to - the toothless tiger.

  • andresampras on 13/01/2023 - 12:24
    +1

    Maybe Fair Trading is the way to go (OP profile says ACT):

    https://www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au/s/article/fair-trading…

    • amrdeus on 13/01/2023 - 12:52

      Thanks. It's a national business though. Can I still report it to access Canberra?

      • andresampras on 13/01/2023 - 12:54

        I don't see why not.

        NSW's Fair Trading sorted out a refund issue I had with Menulog a while ago.

  • randomusername2017 on 13/01/2023 - 12:45

    Should keep you occupied for a while.. you have three civil suits to mount.. retailer/promoter/provider.

    Should have gone with the ever reliable GC option…

  • Brian McGee on 13/01/2023 - 19:48
    +1

    Sounds like you are trying to book at peak season when all motels/hotels double or triple their prices. You likely can get a week for $400 but that’ll be the $550/week low season package taken in the middle of school term 2 or 3.
    If you think you can even book a camping site for $400/week over summer school holiday you’re dreaming.

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