Consumer Protection

When a service you’ve received isn’t up to scratch, or a product you’ve bought doesn’t work as it should, you may wish to seek a remedy from the business that supplied it.

Before contacting Consumer Protection for help, it is always important to try to resolve the matter yourself.

This is because in most cases an issue with a business or trader can be resolved pretty quickly just by explaining the situation and offering a mutually acceptable solution.

• Removalist fined $3,000 for falsely claiming membership of industry association
• Association’s logo and statement appeared on two identical business websites
• False affiliation claims detrimental to consumers and the industry representative

A $3,000 fine has been handed to a Brabham removalist by the Perth Magistrates Court for making a false claim that his business was affiliated with a professional organisation.

• WA online shoppers fall victim to fake websites and social media pages
• 200 WA victims lose almost $700,000 to online shopping scams in 2021
• Popular consumer items offered at very low prices as bait to trap consumers

Fake websites and social media pages are tricking online shoppers into buying products that they will never receive and Consumer Protection is warning Western Australians not to reward scammers with a Christmas gift.

• Gift cards must be valid for at least three years from date of purchase
• Recommendation that cards are redeemed quickly to minimise risks
• Risks include business closures and lost or stolen cards

Consumers either buying or receiving gift cards are reminded that national laws provide for a minimum three year expiry period, but there may still be risks involved.

With the busy shopping season upon us, there’s no doubt that gift cards or vouchers can be an easy present idea for those hard-to-please friends and family members. 

While we believe that gifting cash is ultimately a safer option, if you are planning to buy a gift card this festive season, don’t forget that the national rules have changed to give the recipient at least three years to use it.  

• Reports of landlords and agents flouting laws with unannounced visits
• Warning for owners and agents to follow the legal procedures for visits
• Tenants urged to lodge complaints against offending landlords and agents

Consumer Protection is concerned about reports of private landlords and property managers carrying out surprise visits on their tenants, calling on them to comply with their legal obligations relating to accessing the rental property.

• Maximum damages claim for cancellations reduced from 15 to five per cent
• Dealers warned to only charge for realistic costs of contract cancellation
• Consumers urged to be sure of purchase as cancellation can be costly

The maximum amount motor vehicle dealers in WA can charge a consumer who cancels a purchase contract will be reduced to five per cent of the contract’s value from 1 January 2022.

• Consumers urged to be aware of new eRideable rules to make an informed choice
• Popularity of eScooters, eSkateboards and other devices prompt extra safety measures
• Retailers warned not to mislead consumers about speed limits and permitted uses

Consumer Protection is urging shoppers to consider the new rules covering the use of electric rideable devices (eRideables) that are now in effect before deciding to purchase.

Anyone who’s tried to cancel a contract to buy a new or used car may recall being slugged with a fee from the dealer for pulling out of the deal.

Known as ‘pre-estimated liquidated damages’, the fee is supposed to be a true reflection of actual costs incurred by the dealership as a result of the transaction falling through, such as vehicle licensing costs, special accessories that may have been fitted and demonstrable administration costs.

• Tenants reporting rental properties with major maintenance issues
• Lack of action by some landlords creating unsafe and unhealthy homes
• Landlords warned not to undertake unlicensed plumbing or electrical repairs

Consumer Protection is receiving numerous reports of sub-standard rental properties being leased to WA tenants from some private landlords.

These landlords are failing to properly maintain their properties and carry out essential repairs that are creating dangerous hazards with the potential to harm tenants.