After losing a $1.6 million inheritance, Harriet Spring says banks need to do more to protect customers from fraud
After a scammer took $1.6 million of her mother's money, Harriet Spring is calling for banks to do more to support victims like herself.
'Do your homework': Retirees turn on each other over gated villages
The $12 billion land lease industry, which caters to retirees looking for affordable low-maintenance living, has largely flown under the radar. But across the country, more claims are emerging of questionable practices including fee gouging, excessive rent increases and misleading contracts.
'Not necessarily human trafficking': Online market claims electrified GPS shackles have legitimate uses
A huge online marketplace linked to Cambodia's ruling family is allegedly being used to sell equipment to and launder money for the online scam industry — with Australians among those in the crosshairs.
'You're not just selling a box of chocolates': Cold callers offering super reviews under investigation
ASIC has launched an investigation into cold callers offering superannuation reviews. Those impacted say they felt pressured to switch superannuation providers.
Auction business Grays deceived used car buyers over two-year period, causing $3 million in consumer losses
The federal court orders auction company Grays to bear hefty penalties over 750 contraventions of consumer law, which saw it sell second-hand cars with false or misleading descriptions to consumers between 2020 and 2022.
Telstra fined $1.5m for leaving customers vulnerable to scams
The communications watchdog found Telstra failed to authenticate customer IDs during 168,000 high-risk interactions such as password resets or SIM card swaps.
'Every minute for me is suffering': Scammers target Australian property sales
Lily and her real estate agent are among a growing number of Australians who have been targeted by cyber criminals.
Investors slash more than $200 million from value of land lease operator after ABC investigation
Lifestyle Communities share price plunges more than 18 per cent in the wake of an ABC investigation detailing claims the operator of gated communities for the over 50s is gouging residents with unfair fees including charging the dead rent.
Should airlines have to compensate domestic travellers when flights are cancelled or delayed?
There are calls for stronger protection for passengers. But some airlines say it won't improve outcomes for passengers, instead saying it could increase airfares.
How an idyllic retirement resort became a 'financial prison'
Land lease communities, where retirees buy their home but rent the land, are booming, fuelled by a housing affordability crisis and an aging population. But some residents say they feel trapped in a "financial prison" and experts say a lack of legal protections leave some with few options for redress.
ACMA issues directive to Telstra after massive privacy breach of unlisted numbers
The telecommunications company faces an ACMA directive to correct an error which led to more than 140,000 customer records being made public, despite those customers paying for their information to remain unlisted.
The Raes say their fridge malfunctioned, triggering illness, and their refund offer included a 'gag clause'
Victorian couple Adele and Alex Rae say they were exposed to a "really strong" chemical smell coming from their Samsung fridge, which caused Ms Rae to collapse. They've been offered a refund on the condition they never talk about it again.
Cold weather prompts warning to service gas heaters as house fires, poisoning linked to appliances
As households with gas heaters fire them up for winter, tradies and firefighters fear many do not understand the safety risks they pose if not properly maintained.
Senate committee recommends major overhaul for corporate watchdog, splitting ASIC into two new regulators
Australia's corporate watchdog, ASIC, isn't prosecuting enough white-collar crime and can't perform its full range of duties, so a Senate committee has recommended it split into two new, more streamlined regulators.
In the makeup world, there's a fine line between duping and being sued. MCoBeauty found out the hard way
Australian cosmetics company MCoBeauty has become a multi-million-dollar business by "duping" popular beauty products. But its success hasn't been without controversy, after pushing the boundaries of the law too far in the past.
Planning to shop the end of financial year sales? Watch out for this scam
The end of the financial year is a great time for shoppers looking to bag a bargain. But scammers also tend to take advantage of the period. Here's what to look out for.
Spike in scams targeting remote communities ahead of tax time
Financial counsellors and community leaders warn residents in remote communities in Western Australia to remain vigilant of a rise in scams ahead of tax time.
As evidence builds of strata managers exploiting apartment owners, NSW promises tougher penalties for 'bad behaviour'
The NSW government pledges to "stamp out bad behaviour" and strengthen oversight of the state's strata management industry in the wake of an ongoing ABC investigation that has revealed the systemic exploitation of unit owners and a widespread culture of kickbacks and secret commissions.
The grocery code of conduct overhaul could mean good things for suppliers. What about Aussies at the check-out?
Consumers might not feel the effects of a mandatory grocery conduct overhaul, a peak consumer policy body says.
Investigators have laid out how hackers claim they stole Ticketmaster data. Will they go to jail?
Only one person from the nefarious hacking syndicate responsible for Ticketmaster's data breach has ever been convicted for cyber crime. What are the chances anyone goes to jail over this latest hack?
How do I fight a rental increase from my landlord?
If you're renting, you'll know that rental increases are a fact of life. But you do have options if you think your landlord (or their agent) is asking for too much.
Aldi stores 25pc cheaper than Coles, Woolworths, Choice report finds
Basic grocery items are 25 per cent cheaper at Aldi when compared with Coles and Woolworths, a new report from Choice has found.
Think you've been overcharged for electricity? Here's what to do if your bill doesn't look right
A higher-than-expected bill is enough to give most people a sinking feeling — especially if you don't think it's fair. Here's a breakdown of your rights and how to dispute a bill.
Analysis
analysis:Why pharmacies could be teetering on an 'Uber' moment
The ACCC is wary about the proposed merger of Chemist Warehouse and Sigma Healthcare. But other decisions will matter more for service and prices. They concern pharmacy discounting and location rules, and they'll involve taking on existing owners.
Thousands of people are being funnelled into a multi-level marketing scheme promising 'financial freedom', but there's a cost
Women in regional Australia are being funnelled into a multi-level marketing scheme promising a "multiple-six-figure business online" — but the "freedom" they seek comes at a cost.