Panasonic to fight ACCC deception claims
- 05 January, 2010 14:17
- Comments 1
Panasonic has refuted the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission’s claims of deceptive conduct and is preparing to fight it out in the Federal Court.
According to a statement released by the ACCC, Panasonic allegedly used misleading or deceptive conduct to lure customers, in contravention of section 52 of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
The regulatory body stated Panasonic published advertisements between 23 November to 24 December 2008, which offered bonus Nintendo Wii gaming consoles by redemption to all consumers who purchased a select Full HD Viera Plasma television. But it alleges Panasonic customers were only allowed to claim the gaming console after receiving the television and submitting a claim based on its serial number.
“There was no guarantee a consumer would receive their television within sufficient time to identify its serial number and submit a valid claim to Panasonic,” the ACCC stated.
The Government body is seeking a declaration that the vendor broke the Trade Practices Act 1974, an injunction, corrective advertising, an internal review of Panasonic’s business operations and that it establish and maintain a compliance program.
A spokesperson for Panasonic would not comment on the ongoing case details but confirmed the vendor disputed the allegations.
“Panasonic disputes the claims made by the ACCC and will defend this matter,” the spokesperson said.
The matter will be heard in court on February 14, 2010, with the ACCC hoping to fast-track the motion and reduce litigation.
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Comments
JM
Being given the run-around by Panasonic
The ACCC is completely correct with their action. I made a qualifying Panasonic purchase but couldn't get delivery until after Christmas. Then when I finally had the serial number Panasonic's web site first stated my serial no. had already been used (not by me!) and when I tried a few days later it stated the same thing but also added that my purchase needed to be within the previous 21 days. This is rubbish as I questioned the store extensively about the terms. I knew about the ACCC action and was wary yet I was advised that I only had to claim before end of Jan. There was absolutely no further information in-store stating a limited claim time. I now have to ring them to try and sort it out. The blog on their web site reveals they are giving many customers this run-around. If I don't get what was advertised I will demand a refund. Sort yourselves out Panasonic!
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