Consumer Protection

• Scammers intercept email communications between family and aged care home
• Grand-daughter organising the transfer gets fake email with different bank details
• Consumer advice: be suspicious of emails notifying bank account change

Scammers have stolen about $375,000 intended to fund the aged care costs of a 102 year old woman, the money being the proceeds from the sale of her Ferndale home.

Labels such as ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ can be attractive for shoppers wanting to do their bit for the environment, but it’s not always easy to sort what’s fact from fiction. 

That’s why a recent internet sweep by consumer agencies throughout the world, including Consumer Protection in WA, focused on identifying misleading environmental claims for the first time.

• Prepaid funeral funds to be placed in secure investments
• Code provides greater transparency and disclosures in contracts
• A 30 day cooling off period will now apply

A new mandatory code of practice is now in force for WA’s prepaid funeral industry which aims to safeguard the estimated $170 million being held to pay for future funerals.

The new code which began on 1 March 2021 will ensure that the funds will be managed within secure investments under the name of the client until they are required.

• Applications are open for grants helping WA tenants and landlords
• Up to $2,000 paid to landlords for future rent support
• Grants assist tenants struggling financially

Applications are open under the Residential Rent Relief Grant Scheme to help tenants who are struggling financially meet rent payments.

Renters who are facing a significant rent increase they are unable to afford can apply. However, their landlord must agree to a fixed-term lease of at least six months beyond 28 March 2021. This grant is capped at $2,000 per tenancy.

• Reports of Mr John Quigley’s stolen image used in attempted scam
• Emails feature link to fake website using Mr Quigley’s name and image
• Recipients warned about beneficiary scams and advised to ignore emails

Scammers have stolen the identity of WA’s Attorney-General John Quigley as part of a beneficiary scam and to set up a fake website.

• Late or no deliveries of flowers and gifts may be a major issue for consumers
• Keep photos and receipts of online purchases as proof
• Check online reviews before making your purchase.

Flowers and gifts that don’t arrive in time or arrive but are not what was ordered, are the main consumer issues that can dampen the love this Valentine’s Day (14 February).

Shoppers are being advised to seek delivery guarantees so that the flowers or gifts will arrive in time for the special day, especially if ordering online.

As a result of the Premier’s announcement placing WA into a hard lockdown until 6pm on Friday, 5 February, our counter and phone services are currently unavailable.

You are encouraged to email any enquiries to consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au. If your matter is urgent, please include a contact telephone number in your email and Consumer Protection will call you back within 24 hours.

• Charity scammers are known to target disasters to steal money from donors
• Donors to be on the look-out for fake websites and social media pages
• Advice to only donate to licensed charities and do an online check

As people begin opening their hearts and their wallets to donate to the victims of Perth’s current bushfire disaster, Consumer Protection is warning donors to be aware that scammers may also be on the prowl.

There’s no place like home, so when unexpected damage occurs to a rental property it’s important for tenants to be across their rights and know that they can come to us when issues aren’t fixed in a reasonable time.

Regardless of whether damage to a rental property occurs due to wild weather or a structural issue, the landlord is legally responsible for necessary repairs and maintenance to bring the property back to a liveable condition.