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.comJeremey Clarke v JB Hi-Fi Group Pty Ltd (S ECI 2023 05830)
www.supremecourt.vic.gov.auThe 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.auListen 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.newsLeading 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