The consumer watchdog has launched proceedings in the Federal Court against a printer cartridge telemarketing company which it says has contravened consumer laws.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission alleges that Artorios Ink, sole director Tuan Nguyen, and sales manager Thuan Nguyen, contravened the Australian Consumer Law.
The ACCC alleges that during 2011 and 2012, Artorios Ink engaged in conduct that was misleading or deceptive and made false or misleading representations involving the supply of printer cartridges to businesses, many of which were small businesses.
The ACCC says Artorios Ink represented that businesses had agreed to purchase printer cartridges from Artorios Ink, when in fact there was no such agreement.
The watchdog also claims the telemarketing company claimed Artorios Ink was an approved, regular or current supplier of businesses when it was not, that Artorios Ink had instituted proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria against the business to obtain payment for printer cartridges when it had not and that Artorios Ink asserted a right to payment for unsolicited goods.
The ACCC is seeking declarations, injunctions and pecuniary penalties against Artorios Ink, Tuan Nguyen and Thuan Nguyen.
It is also seeking orders disqualifying Tuan and Thuan Nguyen from managing a corporation.
The case is listed for a directions hearing on October 10, 2012.
The case follows the ACCC’s pursuit of two solar companies for misleading and deceptive advertising and a crackdown on companies placing misleading and deceptive testimonials on Facebook.
SmartCompany contacted Artorios Ink and Tuan and Thuan Nguyen for comment but did not receive a response prior to publication.
