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Returning: The Checkout

The ACCC has received reports that The Checkout sometimes pretends to be the ACCC in press releases.

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The Chaser team always turn to a bit of shenanigans when announcing the return of one of their shows.

The Checkout is back at 8pm Thursday April 7th on ABC with 12 episodes (including 4 x Best Of).

Here’s the release they issued last week:

ACCC warns of increased risk of ACCC impersonators.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a public warning pursuant to section 223 of the Australian Consumer Law about a likely increase in bodgy advice to consumers by scammers masquerading as a serious consumer affairs program.

The ACCC particularly advises Australians to be on the lookout for a suspicious television program called The Checkout which purports to offer advice to consumers. Credible intelligence suggests the program may return to the ABC on Thursday April 7 at 8.00pm.

“It’s not a very sophisticated operation, often using silly costumes, graphics and cute animals to distract people. But an alarming number of consumers are being hoodwinked,” said ACCC Chairman Rod Sims. “The extent of the fraud might even be more serious. I can’t be sure though because I can’t understand a word Craig Reucassel says.”

Scams like The Checkout are never a substitute for the only true source of consumer advice, the ACCC. If you think you have seen an episode of The Checkout, report it either to the ACCC via the official twitter account @acccgovau or to the TV ratings regulator OzTam.

The ACCC has also received reports that The Checkout sometimes pretends to be the ACCC in press releases. Anyone receiving such a press release should report The Checkout’s misconduct widely in all forms of media.

Consumers are advised to avoid watching any program featuring presenters Julian Morrow, Kirsten Drysdale, Craig Reucassel, Zoë Norton Lodge, Ben Jenkins, Scott Abbot, Hannah May Reilly, CHOICE’s Kate Browne as well as Alex Lee who has apparently been induced to leave her former role as a political reporter with BuzzFeed on false pretences.

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