Consumer Protection

• Domain name versions without .com, .net, .org etc. will soon be publicly available
• Businesses and organisations urged to register the .au only version of their name
• Failing to register .au versions could result in identity theft and financial loss

Businesses and organisations are urged to take urgent action on planned domain name changes to prevent the possibility of their corporate identity being stolen and their contacts being scammed.

Mould or dampness around a home can pose a health risk and should be removed as soon as it’s noticed, yet complaints about mould in rental properties have risen.

Mould is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. It can exacerbate health problems like asthma, respiratory infections and rashes, cause unpleasant smells, damage to buildings or contents and lead to expensive repairs.  

Mould or dampness around a home can pose a health risk and should be removed as soon as it’s noticed, yet complaints about mould in rental properties have risen.

Mould is a fungal growth that thrives on moisture. It can exacerbate health problems like asthma, respiratory infections and rashes, cause unpleasant smells, damage to buildings or contents and lead to expensive repairs.  

With eRideables expected to be popular gifts this Christmas, shoppers are being reminded that while they are a fun way to get around, they are not toys and should not be used by anyone under 16 years of age.

Consumer Protection and the Road Safety Commission have teamed-up with eRideable retailers ahead of the festive season in a bid to keep riders and the wider community safe. Retailers have been provided access to free in store promotional materials designed to raise awareness of eRideable safety on both sides of the sales counter.

• Inflated UFC tickets contravening WA’s anti-ticket scalping laws may be cancelled
• Risk of refused entry to fans with tickets sold for more than ten per cent mark-up
• Advice for ticket holders who have purchased from unauthorised resellers

Consumer Protection is again warning consumers who may have purchased inflated tickets from unauthorised resellers to the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 284) at Perth's RAC Arena, that there is a high risk they may be refused entry, or that their tickets will be cancelled.

• Unlicensed motor vehicle repairer to pay $2,000 fine and $566 in costs
• Repairer advertised services via Facebook and a website
• Consumers urged to do licence checks before engaging repairers

An Ellenbrook motor vehicle repairer has been fined $2,000 by the Perth Magistrates Court for carrying out mobile mechanical repairs without a licence.

Victor James Wright was also ordered to pay costs of $566 when convicted in his absence on 16 December 2022 of breaching the Motor Vehicle Repairers Act.

• Repairer ordered by SAT to pay total of $4,676 in fines and costs
• Failed to provide a police clearance as required by certificate condition
• Also failed to advise changes of address as required by law

Failing to comply with a condition attached to his certificate has resulted in a $3,000 fine and a reprimand for a Perth motor vehicle repairer.

• LED String Fairy Lights Net Mesh does not comply with electrical safety standards
• Buyers of this product must discontinue use and unplug immediately
• One consumer has reported an electrical shock injury needing hospital treatment

Consumers are being urgently warned about dangerous Christmas lights that have caused an electric shock injury and are believed to have been sold recently in WA.

Electric scooters, skateboards and hoverboards will no doubt appear under many Christmas trees this year, however there’s a very good reason why families should avoid buying eRideables as gifts for their children this festive season.

While they may be an increasingly popular and fun way to get around, the reality is that eRideables are not toys and they are capable of causing very serious injuries if used incorrectly.

• Critical warning when using rechargeable batteries
• Number of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries rising sharply
• Think twice before buying rechargeable devices without original charger

Take charge of your safety. That is the message for everyone buying or receiving a lithium-ion powered gift this Christmas.

Consumer Protection is warning that lithium-ion battery chargers, and the way they are used, can be more dangerous than the devices they power. In some cases deadly.