Telstra has initiated proceedings against Orion Group, a Tasmanian telemarketing corporation and reseller of wholesale telephony services. Telstra alleges that Orion has harassed its customers, transferred users to its services without permission, and misrepresented Orion’s relationship with Telstra.
“Telstra alleges the sales representatives have been unduly harassing customers in their telemarketing activities and have been transferring customers without their expressed consent,” the company said.
“Telstra took this action after corresponding with the Orion Group, seeking an undertaking that it would cease the alleged illegal activities.
“This undertaking was not provided.”
Orion Group today said it was responding to the papers lodged by Telstra on Monday. “We are in the process of responding, I can’t say anything more at this point,” company secretary John Lawrence said.
Telstra said it had also written to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (‘ACCC’) to notify it of the Orion Group’s alleged misconduct.
Telstra said it had been concerned for some time about the complaints of customers regarding alleged high-pressure sales tactics and misrepresentations from some sales staff.
“We are concerned at the pressure some of these callers are placing on customers, particularly the elderly, those with a hearing impairment or who have English as a second language.”
I’m glad to hear this. I have myself received over 15 unsolicited calls from persons claiming to represent Orion, several after I asked to be removed from their database, and most during meal times.
Hopefully the prospect of continuing legal action will stem the (unfortunately steady) stream of calls during my upcoming examination period. Kudos to Telstra for defending its customers’ rights on this one.
