Second business warned over false Bondi attack links
The business sold clothing and accessories through bondiunited.com and bondiproject.com, both of which have since been taken down
NSW Fair Trading has issued a public warning against a second business falsely claiming links to the Bondi Beach terror attack after determining assertions made by clothing website Bondi United were misleading.
The business sold clothing and accessories through bondiunited.com and bondiproject.com, both of which have since been taken down following a Fair Trading investigation.
Bondi United has indicated it will pay refunds to consumers who contact the business requesting their money back.
The warning follows a separate public warning issued in January against the Isla & James website, which was also taken down after Fair Trading investigations.
Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said attempting to profit from the terror attack was “just plain wrong” and a breach of Australian Consumer Law.
“The NSW Government strongly condemns any attempts to mislead consumers in the aftermath of this terror event, and we will continue to do everything we can to protect consumers from this behaviour,” Chanthivong said.
“I encourage people to buy from reputable sellers, be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar online sellers, and get in contact with NSW Fair Trading if they believe they have been adversely affected by this business.”
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said the misleading websites were “deeply concerning” and that strong regulatory action had been taken to prevent them spreading misinformation.
“NSW Fair Trading monitors for scammers or fundraisers who target people following major events, including environmental disasters, and has powers to investigate businesses and prevent consumer harm,” Mann said.
“In these situations, take steps to verify that the trader is legitimate and is not misrepresenting a connection to the victims of the attack or that proceeds of sales will go to the support of victims of the attack.”
Consumers can lodge complaints against companies via the NSW Fair Trading website, at any Service NSW centre, or by calling 13 32 20.