Christmas and Shopping: Risks and Rights

Christmas and Shopping: Risks and Rights

Only two weeks to finish your Christmas shopping! Remembering all that has happened over the past year, we encourage you to spend local wherever you can. With families and businesses struggling from the drought, floods and COVID-19 still causing an economic downturn, our local businesses will be grateful for your support this Christmas Season.

If you are unable to spend local and chose to purchase your gifts online, make sure you are careful not to become a victim of credit card fraud. Credit card fraud, by definition, is the fraudulent use of a credit card done so through the theft of the cardholder’s personal details.

 You can take a number of measures to help protect your personal details this Christmas. This includes ensuring your anti-virus software is up-to-date, never click suspicious links, be skeptical of suspicious websites, keep a close eye on your credit card statement and raise any suspicious activity with your bank immediately and make sure your package has instructions to deliver to a safe place to avoid someone stealing it from your front door.

If you have become a victim of credit card fraud, it is important to inform your bank or financial institution immediately. They will be able to investigate the matter and, if necessary, freeze your account so no further funds can be stolen.

It is also important to understand your rights when it comes to exchanges and refunds. We have all experienced exchanging or returning an item at some stage in our life, whether it be due to faulty goods or incorrect size. You have a right to ask for a repair, replacement or refund if the product or service you purchased does not meet the consumer guarantee. This is governed by Australian Consumer Law.

It is a good idea to keep your receipts, however, if you do not have one you can offer an alternative proof of purchase, including bank statements, lay-by agreements and a photograph of the receipt. For more information on your rights as a consumer, visit https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees.

Finally, when doing your Christmas shopping this year, please spare a thought for those who are doing it tough. At Equilaw we run an internal food drive and ask our staff for a donation of goods to be delivered to a charity of our choosing. Donating even one item to a local charity can make a big difference.

We would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe New Year. Happy spending!

Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. This newsletter is intended to provide general information. You should obtain professional advice before you undertake any course of action.