<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>333156</docID> <postdate>2024-11-15 09:01:58</postdate> <headline>Crackdown efforts start on dodgy fees and prices</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-318921" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-fauxels-3184435-resized-e1718597234605.jpg" alt="" width="899" height="600" /></p> <caption>Big price increases for concert tickets due to demand are in the firing line of federal government.</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Andrew Brown</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Hidden fees for online purchases or large price increases for products such as concert tickets due to demand are in the firing line of the federal government.</strong></p> <p>Public consultation on a proposal to ban dodgy business practices will open on Friday, as the government looks to outlaw methods that trap customers or impose extra charges.</p> <p>Tactics such as dynamic pricing, where the cost of a product rises during a sale as more people look to purchase, will be among the practices set to be banned.</p> <p>Drip pricing will also be included in the crackdown, where mandatory fees are added on top of purchases online, inflating the price well beyond what was originally advertised.</p> <p>The government will also seek to ban subscription traps, where services make it difficult for customers to opt out.</p> <p>As part of the consultation paper, the government will consider whether countdown timers on online sellers manipulate or overwhelm customers to make a purchase, or whether cancellation processes are too difficult to navigate.</p> <p>Practices where services force customers to sign up and hand over personal details before making a purchase will also be examined.</p> <p>Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones said customers deserved not to be taken advantage of.</p> <p>"The Albanese government is putting a stop to the tricky tactics used by businesses to rip off Australians. It's deceptive and unfair," he said.</p> <p>"There won't be a consumer in the country who hasn't had an experience with the unfair trading practices that we are planning to ban, like trying to cancel a subscription that is easy to sign up to but impossible to leave.</p> <p>"This will be welcome news for people who will save time and money when these practices are outlawed."</p> <p>Consumer Policy Research Centre chief executive Erin Turner said the practices were causing considerable harm.</p> <p>"Our research shows that 75 per cent of Australians have experienced a negative consequence when trying to cancel a subscription, with far too many companies making it easy to sign up but far too hard to stop paying," she said.</p> <p>"A general law against unfair trading will help save money, protect against manipulative designs and support Australians in making informed choices."</p> </body>