One of Australia’s leading property investment advisory groups, Investors Choice Group has had an unblemished 12-year history.
Asked by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to make a minor adjustment to our telemarketing protocol. I am pleased to share that this is the only hiccup we've encountered in 12 years, and it simply involved the ACMA's request for us to use our full company name, Investors Choice Group, instead of the acronym, ICG, during our telephone interactions.
As always, we've taken this guidance seriously, promptly addressing and implementing this minor change. We remain steadfast in our commitment to transparency, lawfulness, and strict adherence to all regulations in our business operations. We now fully comply with ACMA guidelines, continuously promoting and upholding the highest level of professional standards in our telemarketing practices.
ACMA Warns
Investors Choice Group & ICG Strategies acknowledges the importance of clearly identifying ourselves to call recipients from the outset of telemarketing calls. We fully understand and respect the obligations outlined by the Telemarketing Industry Standard, which stipulates that callers must begin telemarketing calls by clearly stating the company name or registered business name of the initiating entity.
We have taken the ACMA warning as an opportunity to re-evaluate our telemarketing procedures and reinforce our commitment to compliance. Investors Choice Group is implementing the following actions to ensure best practices moving forward:
Enhanced Training
Our telemarketing team will undergo comprehensive training sessions, focusing on the proper identification of the company at the beginning of calls. We will emphasis the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements to provide call recipients with a transparent and informed experience.
Strict Adherence to Standards
Investors Choice Group & ICG Strategies will strengthen internal processes to ensure that telemarketing calls consistently and clearly begin with the full and accurate identification of our company name or registered business name. Compliance with the Telemarketing Industry Standard will be a top priority.
Continuous Monitoring and Auditing
We are enhancing our internal monitoring and auditing mechanisms to proactively identify and address any potential compliance issues. Regular reviews and assessments will be conducted to maintain a high level of accountability and adherence to telemarketing regulations.
Conclusion
Investors Choice Group remains committed to conducting telemarketing activities in a manner that upholds compliance with ACMA regulations. We acknowledge the ACMA's warning and have taken immediate steps to rectify any shortcomings.
Our dedication to transparency, ethical practices, and customer satisfaction stands unwavering. We will continue to learn from this experience, strengthen our telemarketing processes, and provide our valued clients with an exceptional experience that aligns with the highest industry standards.
I cant see what the problem is.......its simply a business name with an abbreviation
Hold your laughter; we were taken by surprise when ACMA issued a warning for using abbreviations in true Aussie style. It seemed quite amusing! After all, our wonderful clients have known us as 'ICG' for many years, just like how 'Commonwealth Bank' is referred to as CBA. Abbreviations are wholeheartedly embraced by all Aussies, a quirky hallmark of the Australian spirit – it's just how we roll! #AreTheyFairDinkum #SillyWarning #DidSomeoneSayKFC(NotKentuckyFriedChicken)
Beyond normal comprehension that the ACMA presumes the public is stupid not to ask who is calling if the acronym is not understood or ask for clarification. I have numerous dealings with this upstanding company and for such an article to smear their business reputation is indeed reprehensible. I am off ASAP for some KFC .
I have known Investors Choice Group (ICG ) for 10years and for the ACMA to make a minor negative comment against the background of the Company's history over a decade helping clients seems petty and pointless.
Rediculous that the ACMA would publicly sully the reputation of a well respected legitimate business for something so petty.