Optus Faces Legal Action for Allegedly Exploiting Vulnerable Customers
The ACCC has accused the telco giant of unconscionable conduct, claiming it pressured disadvantaged Australians into unwanted and unaffordable contracts.
- The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has initiated Federal Court proceedings against Optus, alleging the company engaged in unconscionable conduct with 429 customers.
- Optus is accused of selling expensive phones and plans to vulnerable individuals, including First Nations Australians, without conducting necessary coverage checks.
- Many affected customers were pursued for debts despite fraudulent contract creation and were subjected to aggressive debt collection practices.
- The ACCC claims that Optus staff were incentivized by commission-based pay, which led to manipulative sales tactics towards consumers with disabilities or financial disadvantages.
- Optus has apologized for the alleged misconduct, terminated responsible staff, and is cooperating with the investigation while implementing new sales oversight measures.
Australian Broadcasting Corporation 
The Sydney Morning Herald 
SBS News 
The Guardian 
9News 
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