Australia’s consumer watchdog will fine Optus $100 million after the telecommunications company was found to have engaged in unconscionable conduct by selling products that consumers did not want or need.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) today said the fine, which is subject to Federal Court approval, comes after Optus admitted that its sales staff acted unconscionably when selling phones and contracts to over 400 consumers at 16 different stores across Australia between August 2019 and July 2023.
Many of the affected consumers were vulnerable or experienced disadvantage, such as living with a mental disability or diminished cognitive capacity.
Others were First Nations Australians from regional, remote and very remote parts of Australia.
9News.com.au has contacted Optus for comment.
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