Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) acting chairman, Peter Kell, has warned that those wanting to quit smoking must be provided with accurate information from people selling these services.

ACCC investigations have revealed that some hypnotherapists and laser clinics are making unproven and misleading claims about the success rate of their smoking addiction treatments.

"Hypnotherapists Angelo and Susan Sette, trading as Stop Smoking in One Hour, admitted they could not substantiate advertised claims that 100 per cent of smokers successfully give up after attending a maximum of four treatment sessions," Mr Kell said.

As part of court-enforceable undertakings provided to the ACCC, the hypnotherapists will publish corrective notices and have undertaken not to engage in similar conduct in the future.

"A number of 'stop smoking' laser therapy clinics around the country have also amended their advertising after the ACCC raised concerns about claims that the laser technology," Mr Kell said.

Mr Kell said treatment providers must not mislead consumers by making claims that cannot be backed up with evidence.

29 September, 2009