Consumer Law

False Or Misleading Representation

Also known as: misleading and deceptive conduct, false representation

In plain English

When a business makes a claim about a product or service that is untrue or creates a false impression.

What it means

The Australian Consumer Law prohibits businesses from making false or misleading representations about goods or services, including about their quality, value, price, standard, sponsorship or whether they are new. It also bans conduct that is misleading or deceptive, or likely to mislead, even if unintentional. These are among the most enforced ACL provisions. The ACCC and state fair trading bodies can take action, and businesses face significant penalties for breaches.

How it's used

Advertising a phone as '5G ready' when it only supports 4G is a false or misleading representation.

Dealing with false or misleading representation in real life?

Enforce your consumer rights for faulty goods, services and refunds. Our AI assistant, Rachel Z, takes your details in minutes and a qualified Australian lawyer handles the rest — at a fixed fee, with no hourly billing.