Consumer Protection

There’s a lot to like about demonstrator vehicles – they’re practically new cars with very few kilometres that sell for cheaper prices than you’d otherwise pay for a genuine new motor.

Another bonus is that clock only starts ticking on the time aspect of the manufacturer’s warranty (e.g. 5-years) on the date of purchase by a consumer and not while it’s in the dealership’s possession. Conversely, the distance aspect of the warranty (e.g. 100,000km) will be less the kilometres already travelled when the new owner takes possession.

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.

Failing to lodge security bonds on time has resulted in a South Perth real estate agency and its director being fined a total of $5,000, following mediation in the State Administrative Tribunal.

MI Real Estate Pty Ltd, trading as Soco Realty, had accepted security bonds from three tenants in the southern suburbs, but failed to lodge them as soon as practicable, or within 14 days, as required by the Residential Tenancies Act.

Consumers seeking mental health services are being warned about a North Fremantle man who is masquerading as a psychologist.

Tyson John Vacher, aka Dr John Vacher and trading as John Vacher Psychology, has been making false or misleading statements on his website jvpsychology (dot) com regarding his experience and qualifications.

Mr Vacher has stated on his website jvpsychology dot com that he is a member of the Australian Counsellors’ Association and has 10 years’ experience, neither of which is true.

A wide variety of investment scams have claimed 65 victims in WA so far this financial year with losses totalling $4,983,000 being reported to WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection.

The victims responded to cold callers, emails and enticing advertisements on social media making false claims of low risk and high returns. The bogus investments being offered included shares, foreign exchange, binary options and cryptocurrencies.

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.

Winter has officially arrived and many of us have already dragged out the winter woollies, electric blankets and hot water bottles, so here is a timely reminder about using these products safely.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said a number of winter warmer products may pose a safety risk if they are old, worn or not used properly.

“As with any product, but particularly products that could cause scalds or burns, consumers should always follow the user guide or instructions carefully,” Ms Chopping said.

It’s every landlord’s worst nightmare – receiving a call from the police with the news their investment property has been turned into a hydroponic cannabis farm.

Unfortunately that’s the reality for a growing number of Western Australian landlords recently, following further raids by the Organised Crime Squad, which continues investigating networks of Vietnamese crime gangs posing as tenants to use rental homes for this purpose.

Consumer Protection has received reports from seven victims of scams where COVID-19 was used in the plot to steal a total of about $68,000.

Most were the victims of fake websites, social media pages and advertisements in which COVID-19 was used as an excuse for why their online purchases had not been delivered.

The McGowan Government has created a free conciliation service to assist renters and landlords reach agreement about coronavirus (COVID-19) related tenancy disputes, without having to go to court.

The aim of the Residential Tenancies Mandatory Conciliation Service (RTMCS) is for all sides to reach a fair and achievable solution through informal discussion. Unlike court where a decision is imposed, mandatory conciliation encourages renters and landlords to work together to come up with arrangements that suit everyone.