With millions already struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, one of the supermarket giants, Coles, is finally being investigated.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has taken legal action against Coles, accusing it of manipulating prices to make false claims that products are on sale, despite prices going up.

It found that Coles would raise prices significantly for a short time, then reduce them to a sum that was still above the original price, while claiming it was discounted.

For example, Coles sold baby formula for $18, then temporarily lifted the price to $24, only to reduce it to $21 and claim the price was “Down, down”.

People noticed the $3 price hike and the overall dodgy practice because they are keeping a close eye on their budgets. Some who saw the scam have submitted a class action lawsuit against Coles. Soon after, the ACCC launched its legal action.

Woolworths has also been found to use some of the same dodgy practices and is facing similar legal action from the ACCC later this year.

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