The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has started legal proceedings against Ozdirect Online Brands and its director Paul Albright for alleged contraventions of the Trade Practices Act 1974.
The conduct relates to the offer for sale of electronic goods on websites including www.ozdirect.com, www.ozdirect.com.au and www.ausbuys.com
The ACCC alleges that Ozdirect accepted payment from consumers for goods it knew, or ought reasonably to have known, it would not be able to supply within a reasonable time.
The ACCC also said it made misrepresentations to consumers about the availability and likely delivery times of items as well as consumer warranty and refund rights.
The ACCC alleges Ozdirect’s conduct was misleading or deceptive and contravened sections 52, 53(g) and 58 of the Act, and that Albright was knowingly concerned in that conduct.
The ACCC seeks orders including declarations that Ozdirect’s conduct contravened the Act and that Albright was knowingly concerned in that conduct; injunctions, including interim injunctions; findings of fact; an order that Ozdirect implement a trade practice compliance program; and costs.
The next hearing will be on 24 July 2009.