Consumer Affairs Victoria

We’re signing off from X, but the conversation continues on our other platforms. You can still find us at: 🔗 consumer.vic.gov.au 🔗 facebook.com/ConsumerAffair… 🔗 instagram.com/consumeraffair…

@yettyko @originhelp @originenergy Hi Korcan @ewov may be the best organisation to contact about this: ewov.com.au

@originhelp @originenergy Nothing was resolved. One smartie origin employee wrote me an email and ask me to add 3 numbers to come up with the bill Total amount! Obviously, she is not trained, would not have a clue and she is just using primary school methods! @consumervic how do we complain

@originenergy What a load of rubbish from Origin energy again! They do NOT EMAIL, never call you back, hang up on you if the question is too hard for them! Supervisor lie about contacting customers, and tell the CC operator that they are too busy with other customer @originhelp

It may be tempting to sign up for a free trial or to a newsletter to get a discount. But how much is your personal data worth? Before signing up: • read and understand the terms and conditions • be aware of any ongoing fees • check what the process will be to cancel.

Do you know who you’re buying from when shopping online? @VictoriaPolice has 35 sites where online marketplace buyers and sellers can safely exchange items, 24/7. Find a Safer Exchange Site: police.vic.gov.au/online-marketp… Read more online shopping safety tips: consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-…

Our Renting Taskforce has now issued more than 55 fines totalling over $540k for breaches of rental laws. These fines send a clear message to real estate agents and rental providers that we won’t tolerate breaches of the rental laws. #MelbRE

Our Renting Taskforce inspected advertised #Footscray rental properties on Saturday. They were on the lookout for rentals that don’t meet the minimum standards. You can report listed rentals that aren’t up to scratch, anonymously, via consumer.vic.gov.au/rental-listing

@Harsimaran3 Thanks for reaching out. We've followed up with RTBA on this, and they have emailed you to confirm repayment of the bond. Be sure to look out for it.

@consumervic I have applied 2 times now for bond payment but both times rtba team is coming up with excuse to reject have been providing multiple documents both times , still my money is being denied seems RTBA vic is scamming me

Stop scammers spoiling your online shopping experience. Follow these tips: - Check the web address - Make sure it’s a secure website – it should have a 🔒 symbol - Use Service Victoria's scam checker tool Try Scamchecker: service.vic.gov.au/spotascam More tips: consumer.vic.gov.au/shopsmart

@tuwac1 Hi John, sorry to hear you're waiting for an answer from us. We can't see any recent enquiries related to John Wilson. Please call us or send through your enquiry again: consumer.vic.gov.au/contact

@consumervic It would be great if ANYONE replied to support requests through the website. I have been waiting for two weeks and not even an acknowledgement email....🙄😡

For answers to common renting questions, see our website: ▪ Residential rental agreement (lease) - consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/rentin… ▪ Repairs - consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/rentin… ▪ Bonds - consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/rentin… ▪ Moving out - consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/rentin… ▪ Forms - #Renting" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-… #MelbRE

From 1 Dec 2025, all internal window coverings with cords in rental properties must: ✅ avoid loose & low-hanging cords ✅ have safety devices (cord guide or cleat) ✅ follow the product’s installation instructions. The new standards & your obligations: go.vic.gov.au/4fEHbgt

From 1 December 2025, rooming house providers must install a fixed heater in each resident’s room. Exceptions may apply. Learn about the new standards & your obligations: go.vic.gov.au/4i7Cs8G

🛍️ #BlackFriday tip: Products bought from Australian businesses are automatically covered by consumer guarantees, regardless of other warranties. 🟢 Consumer guarantees explained: consumer.vic.gov.au/consumerguaran…

Ever seen websites that list 1 price for a product or service only to add extra costs later? This is ‘drip pricing’. Businesses must include all fixed charges in the advertised price of their products and services up-front. See our tips on drip pricing: #drip-pricing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-…

Lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters can be dangerous. Make sure your charger is suitable and compliant with Australian regulations. Choose reliable manufacturers. More from @EnergySafeVic: energysafe.vic.gov.au/community-safe…

Understanding these differences can help you avoid potential issues and ensure a smooth renting experience. Learn more: · Co-renting - consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/rentin… · Sub-letting - consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/rentin…

Knowing if you are co-renting or sub-letting is key: 🔑 Co-renting - everyone signs the rental agreement and shares equal responsibility for rent and property care. 🔑 Sub-letting - one person rents part or all of the property from someone who has the rental agreement. #MelbRE

'No refunds' signs are illegal. Businesses must not display them as they imply you cannot get a refund under any circumstance. Generally, consumers have the right to a refund when there is a major problem with goods or services. Visit consumer.vic.gov.au/consumers-and-…

Be aware of websites that use 'dark patterns' to trick you into spending more than planned. To avoid dark patterns: · don’t be rushed · shop around · do your research · understand the trader’s refund policy · read the fine print, including the terms & conditions · shop elsewhere.

We identified faults with the locking mechanism on these prams, which may collapse while in use. The supplier is offering a replacement part for affected Silver Cross Reef prams sold between 1/7/22 & 31/10/23. See details on the @ACCCProdSafety website: productsafety.gov.au/search-consume…

Did you catch us on the 📻? We recently discussed important rental issues including the work of the Renting Taskforce. Listen to the segment on Spotify and Apple Podcasts or at joy.org.au/joydrive/2024/… More about the $450,000 of fines issued so far: consumer.vic.gov.au/latest-news/ta… #MelbRE