Shocking money-saving tactic hurts Australian consumers
- Replies 4
When a deal sounds too good to be true, it often is—and for many Australians, especially those of us in our golden years, the consequences can be downright devastating.
Just ask a 73-year-old Victorian retiree whose quest for cheaper power bills and a greener home turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
Her story is a cautionary tale for anyone considering unsolicited offers, particularly in the booming rooftop solar industry.
Christine Hirchfield’s troubles began innocently enough. Like many of us, she was drawn in by a social media ad promising affordable solar panels, interest-free payments, free cleaning for a decade, and a generous feed-in tariff.
The salesperson from GC Perfect Solar even sweetened the deal with the promise of a free battery after a year—an enticing offer for someone who’d experienced frequent power outages.
But as Christine soon discovered, the devil is in the details. The initial paperwork was vague, lacking the formal contract she expected.
Within days, she handed over her bank details for direct debits, and the 'interest-free' plan morphed into a finance contract with Brighte, a renewable energy finance provider, demanding $95 per fortnight, plus fees. As a pensioner, this was simply unaffordable.
Sensing something was amiss, Christine acted quickly, cancelling her bank card and lodging complaints with Brighte, GC Perfect Solar, and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
While Brighte eventually released her from the finance agreement, the ordeal was far from over.
She later claimed the company demanded full payment of the $11,800 contract, even though she had already asked them to remove the solar panels from her home.
Consumer groups like the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) are calling for a national ban on unsolicited selling—a practice that often targets vulnerable Australians, including older people, those in regional areas, and individuals on low incomes or with disabilities.
These tactics are especially prevalent in industries like solar power, but also crop up in the sale of air conditioners, recliner chairs, vacuum cleaners, and even education courses.
CALC’s recent complaint to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) highlights 23 cases, including Christine’s, where consumers were misled, pressured, or outright deceived.
The consequences can be severe: debt collectors, court action, bankruptcy, and the risk of losing your home.
For many, the emotional toll is just as damaging. Christine herself admits the experience 'rocked her world' and left her far less trusting.
Older Australians are often targeted by predatory practices due to a mix of politeness, limited digital skills, financial vulnerability, and social isolation.
The ACCC is currently reviewing unsolicited selling and lead generation practices, prompted by CALC’s complaint.
The watchdog is seeking public submissions until 31 July, so if you or someone you know has had a similar experience, now is the time to speak up.
Finance providers like Brighte are also under scrutiny. In Christine’s case, Brighte cancelled her contract and cut ties with the sales agent involved, but not all companies act so swiftly or responsibly.
To avoid falling victim to unsolicited selling, take your time before deciding, always request written details, carefully review the fine print, know your rights—like the 10-day cooling-off period—and report any suspicious behaviour to authorities.
It’s a cruel irony that the industries meant to help us save money and protect the environment sometimes exploit our trust.
The solar industry, in particular, has been tainted by unscrupulous operators, undermining public confidence and the broader push towards renewable energy.
But it’s not just about solar panels. CALC warns that similar tactics are used to sell everything from recliner chairs to bogus education courses.
The common thread? Vulnerable consumers are left out of pocket, stressed, and sometimes facing legal action.
And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, take a step back, seek advice, and don’t be afraid to say 'no.' Your peace of mind—and your bank balance—are worth it.
Have you or someone you know ever felt pressured into signing up for a product or service that seemed too good to be true? What safeguards do you think should be in place to protect vulnerable Australians from high-pressure sales tactics better? Let us know in the comments below.
Read more: Aussie homeowner cops $600 power bill hike after neighbour’s backyard decision
Just ask a 73-year-old Victorian retiree whose quest for cheaper power bills and a greener home turned into a financial and emotional nightmare.
Her story is a cautionary tale for anyone considering unsolicited offers, particularly in the booming rooftop solar industry.
Christine Hirchfield’s troubles began innocently enough. Like many of us, she was drawn in by a social media ad promising affordable solar panels, interest-free payments, free cleaning for a decade, and a generous feed-in tariff.
The salesperson from GC Perfect Solar even sweetened the deal with the promise of a free battery after a year—an enticing offer for someone who’d experienced frequent power outages.
A Victorian pensioner was left with unconnected panels, debt collector letters and misleading contract terms, highlighting the risks of unsolicited selling. Credit: Pexels
But as Christine soon discovered, the devil is in the details. The initial paperwork was vague, lacking the formal contract she expected.
Within days, she handed over her bank details for direct debits, and the 'interest-free' plan morphed into a finance contract with Brighte, a renewable energy finance provider, demanding $95 per fortnight, plus fees. As a pensioner, this was simply unaffordable.
Sensing something was amiss, Christine acted quickly, cancelling her bank card and lodging complaints with Brighte, GC Perfect Solar, and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
While Brighte eventually released her from the finance agreement, the ordeal was far from over.
She later claimed the company demanded full payment of the $11,800 contract, even though she had already asked them to remove the solar panels from her home.
Consumer groups like the Consumer Action Law Centre (CALC) are calling for a national ban on unsolicited selling—a practice that often targets vulnerable Australians, including older people, those in regional areas, and individuals on low incomes or with disabilities.
These tactics are especially prevalent in industries like solar power, but also crop up in the sale of air conditioners, recliner chairs, vacuum cleaners, and even education courses.
CALC’s recent complaint to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) highlights 23 cases, including Christine’s, where consumers were misled, pressured, or outright deceived.
For many, the emotional toll is just as damaging. Christine herself admits the experience 'rocked her world' and left her far less trusting.
Older Australians are often targeted by predatory practices due to a mix of politeness, limited digital skills, financial vulnerability, and social isolation.
The ACCC is currently reviewing unsolicited selling and lead generation practices, prompted by CALC’s complaint.
The watchdog is seeking public submissions until 31 July, so if you or someone you know has had a similar experience, now is the time to speak up.
Finance providers like Brighte are also under scrutiny. In Christine’s case, Brighte cancelled her contract and cut ties with the sales agent involved, but not all companies act so swiftly or responsibly.
It’s a cruel irony that the industries meant to help us save money and protect the environment sometimes exploit our trust.
The solar industry, in particular, has been tainted by unscrupulous operators, undermining public confidence and the broader push towards renewable energy.
But it’s not just about solar panels. CALC warns that similar tactics are used to sell everything from recliner chairs to bogus education courses.
The common thread? Vulnerable consumers are left out of pocket, stressed, and sometimes facing legal action.
And remember, if you’re ever in doubt, take a step back, seek advice, and don’t be afraid to say 'no.' Your peace of mind—and your bank balance—are worth it.
Read more: Aussie homeowner cops $600 power bill hike after neighbour’s backyard decision
Last edited:
.png){kind=icon}
