JB Hi‑Fi is currently facing a consumer class action in Australia over the sale of extended warranties, with allegations they were “worthless/junk” because customers already had equivalent rights under the Australian Consumer Law.[1][3]
What the lawsuit alleges
- A class action filed by Maurice Blackburn alleges JB Hi‑Fi’s extended warranty “Extended Care Plans/Extra Care Plans” offered little or no extra value beyond Australian Consumer Law rights (repair, replacement, or refund).[3][1]
- The claim also alleges misleading or deceptive/unconscionable conduct, including how the warranties were promoted and that customers weren’t properly informed about their existing rights.[1][3]
- Reported coverage says the action seeks refunds for people who bought these warranties over a long period (from at least 2011, as described in coverage).[3][1]
Latest updates you may be seeing
- There have been public updates noting court/consumer communications and participation steps (for example, people receiving notices about the class action).[7][10]
Where to check the most up-to-date status
- The Victorian Supreme Court page for the JB Hi‑Fi group proceeding is the best place to confirm the current procedural stage and any timeframes.[5]
If you tell me whether you’re in Australia and (roughly) when you bought an extended warranty, I can help interpret what the notice is asking you to do and what “opt in/opt out” usually means in this kind of case.
Sources
More than 8 million customers could have a stake in this upcoming court case. The clock is now ticking for them to decide if they want to be involved, or opt out.
theconversation.comListen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.
www.sbs.com.auMaurice Blackburn is conducting a class action against JB Hi-Fi Group Pty Ltd (JB Hi-Fi). The class action relates to extended warranties JB Hi-Fi offers customers when they buy goods including consumer electronics, home appliances and home entertainment products.
www.mauriceblackburn.com.auIs an extended warranty worth your money? It's a question being raised in a new class action against retail giant JB Hi-Fi.
ground.newsThe class action, which alleges JB Hi-Fi's extended warranties were a "junk add-on" to customer purchases, covers a 12-year period.
www.sbs.com.auJeremey Clarke v JB Hi-Fi Group Pty Ltd (S ECI 2023 05830)
www.supremecourt.vic.gov.auLeading class action law firm Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has lodged a class action alleging JB Hi-Fi ripped off consumers by selling worthless extended warranties for more than a decade.
www.mauriceblackburn.com.au