Grays faces $10 million penalty over false details of cars listed online 

Sean Cao

27th Feb 2024

Online auction business Grays eCommerce Group is facing a $10 million fine for stating false or misleading descriptions of hundreds of cars on its website.

The false information included the make, model, features or undisclosed obvious faults with the cars, according to the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Grays has admitted it committed the misconduct between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022. The firm also agreed to make joint submissions with the ACCC to the court regarding a $10 million penalty for the breaches.

“At least 750 consumers bought a car from Grays which was incorrectly described,” ACCC commissioner Liza Carver said.

“As a result, hundreds of consumers may have bought a car they would not otherwise have purchased, or may have paid more than they would have, had they known the correct details.”

The affected customers had to either wait months for a resolution from Grays, pay to repair the vehicle that was incorrectly described or re-sell it at a loss. Some cars were listed with the wrong transmission or model year.

The ACCC has accepted a court-enforceable undertaking from Grays to provide redress to affected consumers. The company has contacted some affected consumers to offer a remedy. 

• Further reading: Emma Sleep faces court over misleading prices online