Appliance giant confirms it received notice of the consumer watchdogs legal proceedings against the company.
Fisher & Paykel landed in hot water this week, after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) filed Federal Court proceedings against the company, for allegedly misleading consumers about their (statutory) warranty rights.
The watchdog alleges Fisher & Paykel sent “misleading” letters to consumers who purchased an appliance, inviting them to purchase an extended warranty. The letters are believed to have indicated consumers would not be protected against repair costs after the warranty expiry, unless an extended warranty was purchased.
Fisher & Paykel, owned by appliance giant Haier, says it is reviewing the legal notice served by ACCC, but insists they fully cooperated with the watchdog during the investigation, and immediately ceased offering the extended warranties in December 2012, when the ACCC first raised concerns.
“Fisher & Paykel takes such matters seriously and we regret any inconvenience this may have caused our customers,” the company said in a statement.
The company says it has written to affected customers on two occasions over the past six months to offer refunds.
Affected Fisher & Paykel customers can still receive a refund by calling 1300 994 016 Monday to Friday during business hours, 8:30am – 5:30pm (AEST)
