The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is an independent Commonwealth statutory authority. It was formed in 1995 to administer the Trade Practices Act 1974, now the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
The ACCC promotes competition and fair trade in the market place to benefit consumers, business and the community. It also regulates national infrastructure industries. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that individuals and businesses comply with the Commonwealth's competition, fair trading and consumer protection laws.
From 1 January 2011, the national Australian Consumer Law (ACL) replaced previous Commonwealth, state and territory consumer protection legislation. It is contained in a schedule to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
Under the ACL, consumers have the same protections, and businesses have the same obligations and responsibilities, across Australia. The ACL is jointly regulated by the ACCC, ASIC and the state and territory consumer protection agencies.
Contact the ACCC The SCAMwatch website is managed by the ACCC. You can also contact the ACCC for general consumer complaints and enquiries.
Scams & the law A summary of the consumer protection laws that may apply to scams.