Tips and advice

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The surge in credit card fraud, identity fraud and scams is commonly achieved through mailbox theft.  Identity crime costs Australia upwards of $1.6 billion each year, with the majority (around $900m) lost by individuals through credit card fraud, identity theft and scams.  Mailboxes have become an easy target for thieves who find breaking into them…

Read More Identity theft and mailboxes

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When we look at our global consumption in numbers, we are given a stark reminder of the task ahead. Around the world, nearly one million plastic bottles are sold every minute, and five trillion pieces of plastic are floating in our oceans. We buy over 80 billion new clothing items a year, and consume 3.9 billion tonnes…

Read More Five trends driving progress towards Sustainable Consumption

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Consumer protection regulators are running a national campaign to help consumers avoid paying extra fees to receive bills in the post. People who prefer to receive paper bills are usually seniors, consumers on a low income, or people without internet access, which means that vulnerable consumers end up paying extra just to pay their bills.…

Read More How to stop paying fees for bills you receive in the mail

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The February edition of Consumer Connection has been released, linking you to the latest consumer information and tips for your community from the Queensland Office of Fair Trading. In this edition: $8.5 million in redress for Queensland consumers Fuel price reporting trial helps Queensland drivers compare local servos Stronger protection for car and caravan owners introduced…

Read More Consumer Connection February 2019

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Many of us will buy and receive gift cards this festive season and the Queensland Consumers Association advises buyers to check that the terms and conditions are fair and not likely to be unduly restrictive for the receiver, and recipients to consider using them soon after receipt. Association spokesperson, Ian Jarratt, says many people think…

Read More Consumer Tips: Buy Gift Cards Carefully and Use Them Early

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Winter is here and Consumers’ Federation of Australia representatives have contributed to standards that ensure the safety of products we use in winter. The standards are developed via the Standards Australia Technical Committee process. ACCC Top tips for winter product safety are: Never use boiling water to fill your hot water bottle and replace it…

Read More Tips for Winter Product Safety