Consumer Protection

If you’ve seen an advert promising big returns on an investment in shipping containers, then our advice is to consider whether it may be a scam or Ponzi scheme.

WA ScamNet is aware of $800,000 of losses in Western Australia so far to a venture called Pacific Tycoon, which advertises investments in shipping containers and promises returns of up to 20 per cent when they lease it out on your behalf.  

The scheme is predicted to be successful because cargo shipment companies regularly have urgent requirements for extra containers and will pay premium prices.

A 53 year old Applecross man was fined $4,500 by the Perth Magistrates Court on 24 July 2020 after pleading guilty to buying and selling 52 motor vehicles without a licence.

The man, who was granted a spent conviction, had traded the vehicles between May 2018 and November 2019 in most cases using Gumtree. Not having a licence for this level of trading breaches the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said the campaign to stop backyard sellers was ongoing.

If you’re a Western Australian who loves to travel, then odds are high you’ve had a trip cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Hopefully your refund or remedy was sorted quickly, but if not, you’re certainly not alone. Complaints to Consumer Protection were five times higher in the period from March 1 2020 until now, compared with the same period last year.

Of the 625 travel-related complaints received, more than half were from consumers seeking refunds that were either denied or were offered credit notes instead.

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.

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.

Greater protections for people living in park homes in Western Australia are one step closer after new laws were passed by State Parliament.

Changes to the Residential Parks (Long-stay Tenants) Act 2006 will give tenants who rent a site or a home in a residential park better clarity with contracts and costs as well as set new rules relating to terminations.

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.

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.

An Ellenbrook real estate agency has been reprimanded and fined by the State Administrative Tribunal for employing an unregistered sales representative.

HKY Real Estate Pty Ltd was fined $7,000 while the unregistered sales representative Shane David Penny was fined $1,500, in addition to costs of $500 each for breaching the Real Estate and Business Agents Act.

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.