As if a $50 million fine wasn’t enough for Telstra for unconscionable behaviour it is now facing fresh accusations of exploiting the elderly. Consumer advocacy group Choice claims the telco giant is engaging in toxic sales culture which is preying on vulnerable older Australians.

Australian Communications Consumer Action Network CEO Teresa Corbin has accused the company of using high-pressure tactics and prioritises profits over service.

Corbin says elderly clients have assumed they are buying something cheaper than what they actually were until they get their first bill.

In reply, Telstra’s head of consumer and small business, Michael Ackland, said the company has no tolerance for overselling or mis-selling. He said the company had supported pensioners for many years through concessional products and services such as the Pensioner Discount scheme.

“We know we can still improve”, Ackland said, “and we’ve made recent changes to improve our products, plans and services.”