Permanent ban for settlement agent who raided trust account

  • West Leederville settlement agent struck off for unauthorised withdrawals
  • Illegally transferred over $29,000 into own bank accounts, a credit card account
  • SAT orders follow extensive Consumer Protection investigation

 

A West Leederville settlement agent who illegally transferred $29,030 from a trust account into her personal bank accounts and a work credit card has been permanently banned from ever working in the industry again.  

 

Fencer fined after giving customers the ‘royal runaround’

  • $2,500 fine and costs for not completing fencing work despite taking deposits
  • Affected consumers only refunded shortly before case heard in court
  • Advice for consumers to pay small deposits via credit card to reduce the risk

A Pinjarra tradesman who took upfront deposits for fencing jobs but failed to carry out the work has been fined by the Armadale Magistrates Court, following action from Consumer Protection.

Commissioner's Blog: Extended warranties warrant your investigation

Our TV screens, in-boxes and devices have been overflowing with End of Financial Year (EOFY) sales pitches – and you might be one of the thousands of people who snapped up a bargain-priced home appliance or some new furniture.

But did you also agree to buy an ‘extended warranty’ on your purchase?

Extended warranties are often sold to consumers by retailers as an added ‘peace of mind’ to cover your purchase after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

Commissioner's Blog: From glam to grim - When beauty becomes pain

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments.

 

How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful burns that leave a scar?

 

Commissioner's Blog: From glam to grim - When beauty becomes pain

Nerve damage, scarring, pain, burns, infections and psychological trauma. No, this isn’t about medical negligence, it’s about injuries received from beauty and cosmetic treatments.

 

How would you feel if a simple trip to get your eyelashes looking lush for an event ends with red, infected eyes and a course of antibiotics, or your first session of laser hair or tattoo removal results in painful burns that leave a scar?

 

Stone ban prompts advice for consumers

  • Homeowners urged to know where they stand as engineered stone ban kicks in
  • Advice to negotiate alternatives or refunds if contracts not completed in time
  • Existing stone benchtops still covered by Australian Consumer Law

 

As a national ban on engineered stone approaches, Consumer Protection is urging affected homeowners to be aware of their rights and avoid signing new contracts to have the product installed.

Commissioner's Blog: Complaints about studio photographers on the rise

Behind the spotlight of gorgeous glamour shots, tender newborn photos and loving family portraits can be a dark reality. Unfortunately, some studio photography businesses behave like predators waiting to lure customers in with fake prizes, false promotions or “heavily discounted packages” that end up costing thousands.

Last year, Consumer Protection received eight complaints about studio photography businesses. With this number of complaints already received this year, the trend is concerning and a warning is needed to highlight the potential red flags.

 

Families warned against au pair company

  • Au pair provider leaves WA families more than $37,000 out of pocket
  • 37 consumers with complaints against Blossom Au Pair Australia since 2019
  • Warning for consumers to exercise caution before engaging with this business

Consumer Protection is urging Western Australian families to avoid doing business with an au pair placement provider that has allegedly taken $37,219 from unhappy customers.