Tabla de contenidos para August 2025 en CHOICE

Araid on a property in Thailand has shut down a fake investment scheme believed to have stolen millions of dollars from Australians. It’s a recent example of overseas police forces breaking up scam centres targeting victims in Australia. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced in June that 13 people who allegedly ran the scam, which likely stole more than $1.9 million from Australian victims, had been arrested by local authorities in a search of the scam’s “boiler room” (the scam’s operations centre). The AFP says the raid by the Royal Thai Police came after the two law enforcement agencies had collaborated to investigate the scam. The AFP says it is working with police forces across South East Asia to break up other scam hubs running in the region that target…

Back in May, CHOICE lodged our first ever designated ‘super’ complaint with the ACCC, calling on the regulator to investigate confusing and potentially misleading energy pricing tactics that could be costing Australians at least $65 million a year. Since then, 20,837 CHOICE supporters have added their names in support of the complaint. Consumers are communicating loud and clear that they want simple, easy-to-understand energy bills – without dodgy tricks that make it nearly impossible to know if they’re getting ripped off. The ACCC has until 19 August to respond publicly to the complaint, and we’re hoping it will launch a full investigation and take action. With this strong show of support, it’s clear that thousands of people are also eagerly awaiting the ACCC’s response and expecting action on energy retailers’…

The federal government is proposing reforms to the way superannuation funds can provide advice about retirement products. It’s true that Australian retirees currently lack clear, free and independent guidance about retirement. However, as Super Consumers Australia CEO Xavier O’Halloran says: “This reform allows super funds to give advice about retirement products, but when most funds only offer one product, that’s not advice – it’s a sales pitch. ”In a recent submission on the reforms, Super Consumers Australia recommends robust safeguards around financial advice in superannuation. But more important than the safeguards, the organisation says, is broader reform to improve product quality, transparency and safety in retirement. Super Consumers Australia is calling for: quality testing to make sure superannuation products offered to retirees are good value a free product comparison tool…

NEED TO KNOW • We tested 20 popular sunscreens. 16 of them failed to meet their SPF claims. • CHOICE is calling on the TGA and the ACCC to investigate sunscreen brands, to ensure sunscreen safety matches people’s expectations. • Despite these results, sunscreen is still essential. Even lower SPF protection is vastly better than no protection. If you live in Australia, you’ll most likely have had a long and fruitful relationship with sunscreen. Beaches, swimming pools, long Saturdays spent on the cricket field – if you spend time partaking in these very Australian activities, sunscreen is important, vital even. It’s baked into our national consciousness. And for good reason. According to statistics, two out of three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.…

NEED TO KNOW • B Corp is an international cross-industry certification scheme for businesses that meet a certain ethical and sustainability standard. • Critics say the assessment criteria are vague and poorly regulated, and the standards expected from businesses aren’t high enough. • B Lab, which oversees B Corps, says it’s strengthening its criteria. Whether or not you’ve heard of “B Corps” before, you’ve probably been exposed to their marketing and labelling, even subconsciously. The recognisable ‘B’ inside a circle is present in the advertising and imagery of the more than 9500 registered B Corp businesses around the world across over 160 different industries. More than 750 of the growing number of these registered B Corps are in Australia and New Zealand. The certification scheme, which started in 2006,…

A cast-iron casserole dish (or Dutch oven) is one of those classic kitchen items that are often given as a wedding present because of their versatility and longevity. Some people consider them an heirloom item worth investing in, and they can easily cost upwards of $500. But in recent years, many mid-range and low-cost options have come on the scene, offering curious home chefs a more affordable entry point into cast-iron cooking. And since they’re all made from the same materials, you may be wondering whether the hefty price tag for some high-end models is justified, or if a cheaper pot could do the job just as well. Two notable budget Dutch oven alternatives include the four-litre Anko pot available at Kmart and Target, and the Aldi Crofton Dutch oven…

While homeowners may have a wide choice of ways to heat their homes, for renters, warming options can be more limited. After all, you’re not likely to have the desire, or the landlord’s permission to invest in a permanent reverse-cycle air conditioner or underfloor heating. But you’ll still want to stay warm this winter, so here are six of the best heating options for renters that you won’t need your landlord’s permission for. Over winter, electric heaters can cost anywhere from around $200 to $500 to run 1. Portable electric heaters There are three different types of portable electric heaters to choose from – fan, oil column and panel. There are pros and cons to all three, but in the end a good electric heater comes down to overall design…

For better or worse, smartphones have become an indispensable part of everyday life. We use them to stay connected, pay bills, shop online, get directions, keep us entertained and so much more. With so many brands, models and price points out there, it can be hard to know which phone will give you the best bang for your buck. This comprehensive guide aims to give you a handy head start. Apple has a strong reputation for providing ongoing OS updates and security support Operating systems The phone’s operating system (OS) is the thing that’ll turn the phone (and possibly you) on or off. There are two options to choose from. APPLE IPHONE OS (IOS) If you already have (or plan to buy) other devices made by Apple, such as an…

Australia’s second-largest telco, Optus, has agreed to pay a $100 million penalty for unconscionable sales conduct after court action initiated by the ACCC. Optus admitted that sales staff selling phones and contracts to over 400 customers in 16 stores between 2019 and 2023 acted unconscionably by putting pressure on people to buy phones and plans they could not afford and did not need, and by misleading customers. The ACCC says many of the affected customers were living with mental disability or diminished cognitive capacity, were unemployed, or were First Nations people from remote communities whose first language was not English. “The conduct, which included selling inappropriate, unwanted or unaffordable mobiles and phone plans to people who are vulnerable or experiencing disadvantage is simply unacceptable,” ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe says.…

Though laptops may rule contemporary computing, the humble desktop is far from dead – it just got smaller. Apple’s Mac Mini range has been the compact answer for users who want plenty of power in a smaller package, but don’t want to work with Windows. The latest iteration – the Mac Mini M4 Pro – ups the ante with even more grunt under the hood. There’s more than enough power for the average consumer, though it does come with a fairly hefty asking price. Apple’s M4 Pro CPU is the centrepiece – a big, beefy brain that can easily handle all but the most processor-heavy tasks. You won’t face any issues with demanding work such as graphic design or image and video editing, and graphically intense gaming shouldn’t be a…

Power principle Further to your article about energy retailers (Why is energy so confusing, CHOICE Apr 24), I can give you an example of my recent experience with AGL. I received an email advising my plan was expiring. “We’re moving you to our Core plan,” it said. If I did nothing, I would pay increased rates from 20 June. I looked online and found there was a cheaper plan – AGL Smart Saver – and changed. It took effect the next day, about two weeks before my original plan expired, which was good, given it was cheaper than my existing plan. A rough calculation suggests I will save about $50 or more annually (I’m generally a low user compared to similar properties, according to the reports they send me). Had…

According to the Cancer Council, four out of five Australians don’t apply sunscreen correctly. Applying an adequate amount and reapplying often will go a long way to ensuring you’re getting the best protection possible from your sunscreen. And use sunscreen in conjunction with other forms of sun protection, such as hats and protective clothing. Apply sunscreen at least 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Be generous – as a rule for adults apply at least 5mL (one teaspoon) for each area of the body. For full body coverage about 35mL (or seven teaspoons) is recommended. Apply sunscreen to all parts of the body not covered by clothing. When to reapply You should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours. Sunscreen can easily come off if you’re sweating or swimming, so…

NEED TO KNOW • Scammers often target people affected by natural disasters, as well as those looking to support recovery efforts. • Criminals have been known to pose as tradies, bank staff, charity workers and government officials. • There are methods you can use to check whether disaster support schemes, fundraising efforts and other forms of help are legitimate. The chaos and desperation following a severe weather event always brings out society’s best – people willing to pitch in and help those who are struggling. Unfortunately, these situations also bring out the worst – criminals who see a chance to steal, not just from people whose lives are already in disarray, but also from the communities coming to their aid. The aftermath of recent Australian floods, storms and other natural…

NEED TO KNOW • CHOICE has been given special authority by the federal government to lodge a designated or ‘super’ complaint to the ACCC about critical issues affecting consumers. • We’re targeting the energy retailer sector due to its complicated and confusing pricing tactics that leave customers paying more than they should. • We’ve estimated the total cost to consumers of same-name plan messaging at around $65 million a year. The pricing tactics of energy retailers are the stuff of nightmares. One flagrant case in point: new plans that are cheaper than previous ones, yet they have the same names. The idea seems to be to keep people as confused as possible. As the 52 or so active retailers subject to the National Energy Retail Law compete furiously for market…

Perfectly fluffy steamed rice, slow-cooked curries, melt-in-your-mouth pressure-cooked lamb shanks, crispy air-fried hot chips… whichever delicious recipe you want to whip up in the kitchen, there’s a good chance a multi-cooker can help you out. It’s a multi-talented, multi-function solution that can replace a number of appliances in the kitchen, expand your cooking repertoire and save you precious time. We look at the pros and cons to help you decide if you need this versatile kitchen hero in your life. It’s a multi-function solution that can replace a number of appliances in your kitchen What is a multi-cooker? Multi-cookers combine the functions of several appliances, primarily slow cooking and pressure cooking. Depending on which model you buy, they can also replace other appliances like rice cookers, air fryers, sous vide…

So you’ve won genetic bingo: twins! Or maybe you have a baby and a toddler close in age. Either way, when you have double trouble and half the time, you need a double stroller or pram that will do its job safely, efficiently, and with minimal fuss. There are four main types of prams or strollers for people needing one set of wheels for two kids: single-seaters with an additional seat attached tandem side-by-side wagon. The right one for you is mostly a matter of personal preference. Use our pros and cons guide on page 62 to work out what you need, and try different types instore – with the children in them, if possible – to get a feel for which type works best. You’ll also need to choose…

During our first year of supermarket surveys, we received a lot of feedback on our basket. You asked for more visibility over what we were buying, you told us you wanted us to include more fresh foods, and you asked us to provide insights on the freshness and quality of the products we include in our basket. In response, we’ll be providing more information about the products we compare, and we’ll include more of the most popular fresh foods. While we will also begin to provide quality comparisons, our focus will continue to be on how the costs compare between the major supermarkets. In our most recent survey, published at the end of June, Aldi had the best deal on our basket of 14 items, which included chicken breast fillets,…

Since July 2022, consumers have had something called a Consumer Data Right (CDR). It’s the right to authorise that information about yourself be transferred from one business to another ‘accredited provider’, ideally to get you a better deal for a service than the initial business is offering. In June, National Australia Bank (NAB) paid penalties totalling $751,200 for breaking the CDR rules, which require that the information shared be accurate and up to date. NAB shared customer information with financial technology platforms (or fintechs) specialising in home loans, but the data it exchanged regarding customers’ credit card limits proved inaccurate. This would have affected people’s mortgage applications. “Poor data quality prevents consumers from experiencing the full benefits of the CDR. When banks or energy retailers don’t provide accurate data, consumers…

Dendy Cinemas has paid a penalty of almost $20,000 after the ACCC issued an infringement notice relating to “drip pricing” on tickets sold through the company’s online sales platform. Drip pricing is when the full price of an item is not shown at the initial point of sale and unavoidable extra costs are incurred through the booking process. The cinema’s online booking platform did not display the total price for tickets until consumers reached the final stages of their online transaction, when booking fees were added. Dendy operates 52 screens across six cinemas in NSW, Queensland and the ACT. ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe says businesses must be upfront about the total minimum quantifiable price of a product or service. “Consumers are sometimes lured into purchases they would not otherwise…

The Victorian government says its new push to electrify homes and enforce stronger energy standards will help households save hundreds of dollars a year. From 2027, any new homes built in that state will have to be “all electric” with no gas appliances, and any properties with an existing gas hot water system will have to replace it with an electric alternative once it reaches the end of its life. Gas hot water systems can still be repaired if they break down, and there’ll be no requirement to change gas heating or cooking arrangements in existing homes. The Victorian government says owners of an all-electric home will be at least $880 better off per year, while even those who simply switch from a gas hot water system to an electric…

After a year-long investigation, the European Union has found that online marketplace AliExpress systemically failed to prevent harmful and illegal products from being sold to consumers. In particular, AliExpress’s content moderation – or lack thereof – breached the EU’s Digital Services Act. The investigation also found that AliExpress was not adequately penalising illegal sellers or protecting its content moderation system from manipulation. Since this investigation, AliExpress hasbeen legally required to take measures like better content moderation to detect and remove illegal listings, improving the traceability of its sellers, and providing greater transparency on its recommendation and advertising systems. Any breaches could see AliExpress fined up to 6% of its global turnover. AliExpress operates in Australia and is a signatory to the voluntary Product Safety Pledge. However, the findings out of…

We tend to take many of our appliances for granted, and it’s easy to forget what life was like before them. A well-designed appliance really can change our lives, freeing us from drudgery and giving us extra time and energy for more meaningful activities. The washing machine freed us from slaving over a hot copper and mangle, reducing an entire day (or even days) dedicated to washing down to just a few hours. And dishwashers make short work of multiple loads of washing and drying the dishes by hand (while hiding the dirty dishes in the interim). Vacuum cleaners did away with laborious sweeping and beating of carpets, and fridges improved food safety and reduced the need to shop as frequently. CHOICE experts deal with hundreds of appliances each year,…

With the high cost of living, you might be thinking about downgrading your health insurance. If you decide you don’t need health cover but you want to avoid the government’s Medicare Levy Surcharge (MLS) due to earning over the income threshold, a Basic health insurance policy may be an option for you. But finding cheap health insurance isn’t as easy as it used to be. In some cases, you may now be better off paying the tax. We’ve crunched the numbers to find out when it’s cheaper to buy a Basic hospital policy, and when you’d be better off simply paying the tax. Should you buy cheap health cover? Cheap health insurance cover may be worth buying to save you money on tax, but not for actually covering your health…

There is a staggering number of fridges on the market – all with different features, finishes and sizes. Not to mention the huge range of prices, which veer from hundreds to several thousands of dollars. A fridge is a big investment, and if you choose badly you could be stuck with a dud for years. That’s why CHOICE has been methodically testing fridges for decades: to help you find the best one for your needs. We assess key criteria including how fresh they keep your food, whether they maintain a stable temperature, how much energy they use, and how much they’ll cost to run. Along the way, our experts have uncovered some impressive fridges, alongside some seriously poor performers that scored below 50%. A water dispenser on the outside of…

Wireless speakers are an easy, convenient and often affordable way to play music, podcasts and more from your phone, laptop and other Bluetooth- or Wi-Fi-enabled devices. They’re usually cheaper and easier to set up than an old school hi-fi system. Here, we look at Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speakers and explain what they can do, which features you should look out for, and how to find the best wireless speaker for you. And our table on page 67 brings you the results from our latest test. Connecting via Bluetooth is easy and doesn’t require an internet connection Portability Battery-operated portable speakers can travel with you around the house or outside the home. Many are small enough to fit in a bag or backpack, while others can be a bit larger and…