ACCC to crack down on carbon cheats

THE consumer watchdog wants people to dob in businesses that use Labor’s controversial carbon tax to gouge customers on price.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) earlier this month launched a carbon price hotline and online claims form for people who fear they’re being ripped off.

The commission doesn’t want consumers being duped into accepting a price increase that’s not appropriate or being led by false claims to buy products they otherwise wouldn't.

The ACCC has received 200 complaints so far about attempts to lift the price of beer, taxis, pizza and even a swimming pool.

People have been told the carbon tax will force up electricity prices many times over in an attempt to make them buy solar panels – some have been encouraged to buy a house now to “beat the carbon tax”.

Others still have been told their gym membership would go up, but if they bought additional year’s

Most complaints have been resolved with warning letters, but four “intensive investigations” are underway.

The ACCC can ask businesses to substantiate their claims, write warning letters or issue infringement notices with fines of up to $66,000.

In extreme cases the watchdog can launch Federal Court proceedings with penalties of up to $1.1 million.

“(But) if small business are honest in their dealings with their customers they have nothing to fear from us,” ACCC chairman Rod Sims said in mid-June when launching the complaints hotline.

The ACCC doesn’t plan to ping business people who have a genuine belief in what they are saying – so long as they don’t just parrot a political fear campaign in order to price gouge.

Small businesses have told been told they too have the right to “push back” on suppliers if they think they are being had.

Suspect price claims can be reported to the ACCC on 1300 303 609 or by visiting accc.gov.au/carbon.