Australia’s competition regulator has begun court proceedings against Fitbit for allegedly making false or misleading statements to consumers about their warranties on defective devices, it said. know on Monday.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said that between May 2020 and February 2022, Fitbit Consumers who have made a claim will not receive a refund unless they return the defective product within 45 days of purchase or delivery, which is inconsistent with Australian Consumer Law.
ACCC President Gina Cass-Gottlieb said: “All consumers have … the right to an automatic consumer guarantee that cannot be excluded, limited or modified. The right of consumer guarantee exists alongside any warranties provided by the manufacturers”.
The regulator said Australian Consumer Law does not impose a 45-day refund period, nor does a consumer’s right to defective replacement depend on when the product was originally purchased.
Additionally, Fitbit tells consumers that when they receive a replacement device for an original defective product, they will not be entitled to a second replacement if the ‘limited warranty period’ is for two years. of Fitbit for original equipment has expired, the ACCC alleges.
The Google-The company that owns it did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
The ACCC, which is seeking penalties and injunctions, said its case includes 58 examples of consumers who were accused of fraud by Fitbit when they complained about faulty devices.
Last month, Fitbit launched its next-generation wearable in India. This product line includes Fitbit Versa 4 and Fitbit Sense 2 fitness watches as well as Fitbit Inspire 3 fitness tracking. Fitbit claims that these new wearables are thinner and more comfortable than its previous models. The Fitbit Sense 2 comes in Graphite Gray, Frosted Gold, and White Platinum. Similarly, the Fitbit Versa 4 is offered in Graphite Black, Pink Sand, and Waterfall Blue colors. Finally, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is available in Lilac Bliss, Midnight Zen, and Morning Glow color options.
© Thomson Reuters 2022
