Consumer Protection

• Warning comes after public complaints of disappointment about Bali Fest event
• Marketing hype should not include false or misleading representations
• Imagery and statements used must accurately reflect the consumer’s experience

Consumer Protection has issued a stern warning to event organisers and promoters to ensure that their advertising is accurate and a true representation of what ticket buyers will be offered so their experience matches what was promised.

• The customer lodged a complaint with Consumer Protection following stressful dealings with a roller shutter salesperson
• The contract did not follow Australian Consumer Law regulations around transparent and clear termination rights
• Two infringements totalling $13,200 were issued

A Perth roller shutter trader has received two infringements totalling more than $13,000 after it was found to have engaged in high-pressure sales tactics that did not comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

• Landlords and tenants encouraged to act and negotiate in good faith
• Tenancies must be terminated lawfully
• Tenants urged to report unlawful evictions

Tenants and landlords are encouraged to contact Consumer Protection for advice about rental rights and responsibilities, particularly in relation to termination notices and evictions.

Australia’s vaccine roll-out will hopefully spell the beginning of the end of the coronavirus crisis, but we can’t afford to become complacent when it comes to avoiding COVID-19 related scams.

Scams where COVID-19 was mentioned have so far stolen $8.4 million from Australians since the start of the pandemic, while 20 victims in Western Australia have reported losing almost $144,000 to WA ScamNet.

Consumer Protection is again warning WA home owners about a tradesperson who has allegedly taken payments for fencing and paving services, but failed to carry out the work.

Since October 2020, Trevor Potter (who also goes by his middle name ‘James’) of Yanchep, trading as Bluesky Worx (unregistered), has allegedly taken deposits of approximately $16,000 from a number of consumers who are yet to receive either the goods or services, or a refund.

The complainants are mostly situated in the northern suburbs of Perth.

The growing number of complaints against a Melbourne-based furniture removalist that operates nationally has sparked concern with a public warning being issued by Consumer Protection.

The warning relates to Ajanvi Pty Ltd, trading as My Moovers and operating the website www.mymoovers.com.au, which has attracted complaints from 47 consumers in WA so far this year. The warning relates only to this specific business entity, and not to any other business with a similar sounding name.

Building and Energy and Consumer Protection have joined forces to warn parents and retailers about the risks and rules when using and selling portable pools this summer.

Building and Energy oversees WA’s swimming pool safety barrier standards, which are enforced by local governments, while Consumer Protection regulates product safety.

On average, one child a year drowns in a portable pool in Australia and many more non-fatal incidents result in hospitalisation and long-term injuries. The most at-risk age group is under five.

WA tenants and landlords who are struggling financially due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic have one last chance to apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to go towards paying their rent this Christmas.

Phase two of the WA Government’s Residential Rent Relief Grant Scheme (RRRGS) means that tenants who have lost their job as a result of COVID-19 and are suffering financial hardship can apply to have four weeks’ rent, to a maximum of $2,000, paid directly to their landlord. Landlords given the grant must reduce the tenant’s rent by the amount received.

Consumers buying e-scooters or e-skateboards as Christmas gifts this year are being urged to consider the safety and road rules relating to these products before purchasing.

The growing popularity of what are referred to as ‘personal mobility devices’ is leading to a growing need for these devices to be used safely, especially in the wake of the death of a 24 year old man who fell from an electric skateboard in Carnarvon last week.

Costco’s fuel outlet at Perth Airport offered motorists the cheapest petrol in 2020 with FuelWatch, which is celebrating its 20^th anniversary, releasing its annual list of sites that consistently have bargain prices.

On average, the Costco price for ULP was 95.1 cents per litre (cpl) over the year but is only available to members, so FuelWatch has also awarded the number one spot to Liberty at Gosnells, open to the general public, with an annual ULP average of 102.9 cpl.