In October 2017, the Federal Court of Australia ordered three
related retail entities to pay fines and penalties totalling
$750,000 for misrepresenting their consumer's rights to
repairs, replacements, and refunds. The three companies, which are
part of MSY Group, a computer and IT retailer, admitted that they
had misrepresented consumer rights on their website, through oral
statements, and in emails. This is the second time MSY Group has
been penalised by the Federal Court, as in 2011 they were fined
$203,000 for engaging in similarly misleading and deceptive
conduct.
This MSY Group case is a timely reminder for all retailers to
ensure that they understand their rights and responsibilities under
the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Especially as
the Christmas season and January sale period approaches with
consumer spending increasing as people head out to buy gifts and
find themselves a deal in the sales. Typically during this period,
requests for returns,
