ACCC takes on bully tactics in mag ads

The consumer watchdog has set its sights on four publishing companies and their sole director over harassment and deception in print advertising.

Fair-trade regulator ACCC has taken its case to the Federal Court claiming that Exclusive Media & Publishing, Elite Publishing Group, Wiltshire Publishers, Superior Publications and sole director Andrew Clifford, deceived and ripped off small businesses.

Clifford and the publishing firms are accused of deceiving SMEs with the offer of a $500 adverts in community magazines when the promised distribution of 500 copies was never delivered.

According to the ACCC, the publishers invited small businesses to sign documentation to receive free copies of the magazines. Upon submission Clifford turned around and demanded payment stating that the form was an agreement to buy advertising.

Use of harassment and coercion to pursue payment landed the firms in hot water with the corporate cop seeking injunctions restraining Clifford and the companies from playing this game in the future. Alleged harassment includes threats of legal action over non-payment and claims that nonexistent court proceedings had begun.

The ACCC seeks to disqualify Clifford from managing corporations and face fines when the matter is set before a directions hearing on 18 October.