Consumer Protection

Jobseekers wanting to work in the WA construction industry may be misled by a company offering “introductory” online safety training courses.

It is a requirement for people working on a construction site in Australia to have what is known as a “white card” which indicates they have undertaken and passed a safety induction course delivered by a registered training provider.

Consumer Protection and WorkSafe in WA are investigating a training provider that is offering an “introductory” course for a reduced fee of about one-third of the usual cost of the full course.

Fake websites pretending to sell farm machinery are increasing in number as the number of victims and their losses also increase.

WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection has now received reports from nine people losing a total of $142,975 after they paid for tractors and other farm machinery that were advertised at greatly discounted prices on fake websites, but the goods never turned up.

A security fencing company and its Director have been fined a total of $6,000 by the Rockingham Magistrates Court and ordered to pay compensation and court costs of $5,805.50 after taking a deposit from a consumer but failing to supply.

Security Fencing Australia Pty Ltd of Baldivis and the Director, who was granted a spent conviction, were fined $3,000 each on 22 June 2020 for breaching the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and were ordered to split the cost of refunding $5,026 to the consumer and court costs of $779.50.

A winter warning for consumers looking to have their fireplaces cleaned – stay away from a chimney sweep who takes your money but then wanders off without finishing or even starting the job.

Neil Michael Cole, formerly of Gidgegannup but now believed to be living in the Bunbury area and trading as The Wandering Chimney Sweep, has been advertising his services on Facebook Marketplace. On six occasions since September 2018 he has taken deposits from consumers as well as one full payment, but has failed to either commence or complete the work.

A Perth tree lopper with a dubious history of bad behaviour when dealing with consumers has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay a total of $22,380.60 in fines and costs after being convicted on appeal of breaching consumer laws relating to unsolicited sales.

Major reforms are now in force which lift the red tape burden on WA charities, reducing their administration costs and resulting in more money being made available to charity recipients.

The changes to WA’s Charitable Collections Act simplify the application process and reporting requirements while removing duplication of compliance for charities.

Toppled trees and fallen branches are a regular sight around Perth following high winds and thunderstorms, meaning winter is usually a busy time for the arborist industry.   

Hiring a tree-lopper or a tradesperson for any job should be a hassle-free experience, which is why consumers should exercise caution and research the businesses before engaging their services.

Consumer Protection received 55 enquiries and 18 complaints about tree loppers in the past 12 months, mostly related to operators not using due care and skill.

There’s very little you can’t buy with a discount voucher these days, with group buying websites offering massive discounts on everything from restaurant meals and holidays, to groceries and car services.

While everyone loves getting a bargain, it pays to be cautious before buying vouchers online, especially in these tough times.

As the economy gets back on its feet post COVID-19, some businesses may consider offering their services on a discount site for an instant cash injection.

Puppy scam losses in Western Australia totalling more than $28,000 were reported in June, prompting Consumer Protection to issue a new warning for consumers to be cautious when responding to advertisements on websites, trading sites and social media.

A total of 18 puppy scam reports were received last month, with individual losses ranging from $150 to more than $5,000.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said the COVID-19 restrictions have boosted the demand for puppies.

With only a few months remaining on his agreed five year ban from working in the industry, a Tapping air conditioning salesman appears to be back in business with Consumer Protection receiving recent complaints.