Consumer Protection

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow.

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 10 September 2025), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 22 cents per litre (cpl) to 185.8 cpl with Ampol hiking up to 211.9 cpl; BP and EG Ampol up to 209.9 cpl; Vibe up to 205.7 cpl; Shell Reddy Express and United up to 203.9 cpl; and 7-Eleven up to 199.9 cpl.

Scrolling on Facebook and spotting a deal for cheap bulk meat delivered to your door might feel like a win, especially with the cost of groceries these days, but it could be a sinister trap.

Earlier this year the WA ScamNet team started hearing from people who paid for bargain-priced bulk meat packs advertised through fake butcher and “farm-to-table” profiles, only to find themselves blocked after sending money via bank transfer. The meat never turned up, and their cash was gone.

• Innaloo landscaper fined a second time for wrongly accepting payment
• Trent Caines of T&C Landscape Construction again took deposits, failed to deliver
• Ordered to pay $6,470, including fines and compensation

A repeat-offender landscaper has once again been penalised by the Perth Magistrates Court for taking upfront deposits from customers without delivering the promised work.

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow. After today motorists will likely have to wait a week before petrol prices are again at the bottom of the price cycle.

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 3 September 2025), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 26 cents per litre (cpl) to 190.5 cpl with Shell Reddy Express hiking by up to 52 cpl up to 211.9 cpl; Vibe up to 211.7 cpl; 7-Eleven, Ampol, EG Ampol and BP up to 209.9 cpl; and United up to 203.9 cpl.

• Fake shipping container sites scamming WA buyers
• Over $84,000 lost so far in 2025 – nearing last year’s total
• Use secure payment methods and verify sellers before buying

Losses from shipping container scams are rising rapidly across WA in 2025, prompting an urgent warning for consumers to stay vigilant when buying online.

Consumer Protection’s WA ScamNet team has received 15 reports of shipping container scams in 2025, with 12 victims already losing $84,090 – nearly matching the full-year total of $93,493 reported by 18 victims in 2024.

Whether or not you want to admit it, Christmas will be here before you know it. To avoid a frantic rush to the shops, you might like to get your present shopping done early and maybe take advantage of a sale or two.

Instead of falling into a buy now pay later (BNPL) debt trap or paying interest on the credit card, have you considered using good old-fashioned lay-by?

When money is tight, lay-bys are a great budget-friendly option. For many households, it is also an easy way to manage larger or seasonal purchases without financial strain.

• Woman fined after attempting to scalp Coldplay tickets at 241% mark-up
• Two tickets listed for $1,000 each despite legal cap of $456.86
• Public urged to continue reporting suspected scalpers to Consumer Protection

A woman from New South Wales has been fined $850 by the Perth Magistrates Court after attempting to resell two Coldplay concert tickets at up to 241 per cent above their original value.

Motorists in Perth and Mandurah are advised to fill up now if they need to, with petrol prices set to rise tomorrow.

FuelWatch reports that, from 6am tomorrow (Wednesday 27 August 2025), the average price of Perth’s regular unleaded petrol (ULP) will increase by 27 cents per litre (cpl) to 188.6 cpl with Shell Reddy Express, Ampol and EG Ampol hiking up to 211.9 cpl; 7-Eleven and BP up to 209.9 cpl; Vibe up to 209.7 cpl; and United up to 202.9 cpl.

• Property owner failed to submit tenancy bond to Bond Administrator
• Fined $1,200 following prosecution by Consumer Protection
• Tenancy laws in place to safeguard renters’ money

A Scarborough landlord has been fined $1,200 by the Perth Magistrates Court after failing to lodge a tenancy bond with the Bond Administrator, as required under WA’s tenancy laws. 

Building or renovating a home is usually one of life’s biggest investments, so it’s good to know specific laws are in place for home building contracts.

You now have a unique chance to help shape these laws. The WA Government is taking a fresh look at home building contract legislation to ensure consumers are effectively protected and the right balance is achieved for all parties involved.