Beware of extra charges when shopping online

The latest issue of the National Seniors Connect newsletter includes a warning that people who buy discounted products online may be signing up for conditions and fees of which they were not aware.

This follows a report in this week’s Courier Mail and in online news articles about a fitness clothing company called Fabletics, co-founded by movie star Kate Hudson.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said concerns were raised about inadequate disclosure of conditions and the ongoing costs of its 'VIP' membership program.

After customers made an initial purchase of discounted active wear clothing on the website they were then charged a monthly $US49.95 subscription for VIP membership.

The ACCC said it had received complaints that some Fabletics customers were unaware they had signed up to monthly subscription payments, and some had difficulty cancelling their memberships.

Another online retailer, Scootprice failed to adequately disclose the fees for its ‘premium’ membership, which ranged from $29.90 per month to $99 per quarter and has since refunded subscription payments following the ACCC investigation.

The ACCC said it has seen a spike in complaints from unhappy consumers regarding the use of the relatively new ‘subscription trap’ model by online retailers.

“This involves online retailers treating a consumer’s decision to make a single purchase as consent to signing them up to a paid, ongoing subscription service without adequately disclosing that the subscription service involves ongoing fees,” said ACCC Chairman Rod Sims.

The ACCC said that Fabletics has agreed to make changes to its website.

A similar trap which has existed for many years involves people downloading special ring tones for their mobile phones then being charged unexpected ongoing monthly charges.

It pays to be very careful whenever paying for anything on the internet, and to read all terms and conditions very carefully (these fees may sometimes be stated on websites but hidden among a long list of terms and conditions and be easily missed).

(This article is based in part on information published online by National Seniors on 23 June 2016)

No more car rego stickers

Did you know that for cars and many other vehicle types, you no longer receive a tegistration label to put on the windscreen.

Other vehicle types that no longer have rego stickers include:

• motorcycles
• light trailers
• light caravans
• light buses
• motorised wheelchairs
• light commercial vehicles
• conditionally registered vehicles
• dealer/trader plates
• special purpose vehicles

Note that recreational boats and heavy vehicles (over 4.5t gross vehicle mass will still need to display registration labels (excluding conditionally registered and special purpose vehicles).

REMOVE CURRENT LABEL

From 1 October you can remove your registration label if you choose or you can keep it on until it expires.

But you won’t get a fine if you leave your current registration label on.

So now you don’t get a rego sticker, how can you check if your car is registered?

You can Check your vehicle’s registration online or via the free QLD Rego Check mobile app which can be downloaded using iTunes or Google Play. 

You can search for a registration and check the details by using the:

• registration number
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): only for vehicles made since 1 January 1989. You cannot search by chassis, hull identification, or serial identification number

This service does not provide a registered owner’s details!

You can use this service to check:

• registration status and expiry date
• make, model and body shape
• learner approved motorcycles
• purpose of use – for example private, commercial
• inspection due date – for vehicles that need an inspection

You can also check your registration by calling the Department of Transport and Main Roads on   13 23 80, or checking the due date by looking on your registration documentation for when you paid last time.

STILL NEED TO REGISTER YOUR VEHICLE

Note that even though there are no longer rego stickers, you still need to register your vehicle  - you just won’t have to put a registration label on your vehicle.

Driving an unregistered vehicle is an offence and you may get a fine. It is your responsibility to make sure the vehicle you are driving is registered and has Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. If you don’t have CTP insurance you may not be covered if there is an accident or injury to yourself or others.

Transport inspectors and police officers can check that your car is registered through your number plate. This can be done through in car checks using hand held devices, or through the use of mobile and fixed cameras—which have the ability to quickly check the registration status of your vehicle

You will also still receive registration renewal notices so you haven’t got to worry about remembering when your rego is due.

You can visit the Dept of TMR’s website for further details about registration: http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Registration

(This item is adapted from a Neighbouhood Watch Queensland blog article dated 8/6/16)

Missing man, Chermside

Police are seeking public assistance to help locate a man missing from Chermside.

32-year-old James Kay was last seen yesterday afternoon leaving an RSL club in Chermside on foot on Kitty Hawk Drive but hasn’t been seen or contacted anyone since.

Police are concerned for his welfare as he suffers from a medical condition which limits his communication and his behaviour is out of character.

He is described as being Caucasian in appearance, around 165cms tall and has a proportionate build, short brown hair and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a grey and black striped polo shirt, grey shorts and red shoes.

 
Anyone who may have seen him is being urged to contact police immediately.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.

Source: MyPolice Queensland Police News