Consumer Protection

• Business operator takes consumer payments but fails to complete or deliver
• Aircon and trailer businesses promoted on Facebook
• Mr Feisst refuses to cooperate to resolve a large number of complaints

A Perth man who offers air conditioning installations and repairs as well as custom-built vehicle trailers has been taking consumers’ money but fails to complete the work or supply any goods or services at all, triggering a public warning from Consumer Protection.

Consumer Protection has issued advice for customers of SFG Relocations Pty Ltd, formerly trading as Wridgways Australia Pty Ltd, who are affected by the liquidation of the company.

The company was part of a group that provided logistics, removal and warehousing services to customers within Australia and overseas.

Retirement villages are an important part of available housing options as we get older and Consumer Protection is keen to get your feedback about proposed reforms to legislation.

We recently released the final consultation paper in Stage Two of the retirement villages’ legislation reform process in Western Australia, and all interested parties are encouraged to make a submission.

You can provide feedback on the phone, via email or through the post before submissions close on 21 July 2021.

Western Australia’s residential property market is booming right now, so house-hunters may be feeling some pressure to buy now to avoid missing out in future.

While it might be a seller’s market, we would urge buyers to avoid making hasty decisions they might later regret by doing their own research, asking lots of questions and seeking professional advice. There is no mandatory cooling-off period for real estate contracts in WA, meaning it’s very difficult to back out once a written offer is signed.

• Websites charging for free or low cost information from government agencies
• Beware of vehicle checks, fuel price and super search websites
• Consumers urged to obtain information from the source before signing up

Consumers are urged to be aware that numerous websites offering to carry out internet searches for a fee may actually be providing information from government agencies that is publicly available for free or at a much lower cost.

Car trouble can strike at any time when you are out on the roads, so it’s important to be across your rights before a breakdown or an accident occurs to avoid being taken for a ride by tow truck operators.

Following recent heavy rains, we heard from a number of motorists who broke down on flooded streets and allowed tow trucks to move their vehicles without ensuring a total price was included on the 'Authority to Tow' form. As a result, these motorists are now being charged exorbitant towing and storage costs by the tow truck companies.

• $6,600 infringement notice for failing to comply with unsolicited sales’ laws
• Company initially refused to refund 50% deposit after contract cancelled
• Consumers advised to get multiple quotes to avoid paying too much

A Perth plumbing and electrical company has been issued with a $6,600 infringement notice by Consumer Protection for breaking consumer laws related to unsolicited sales and initially refusing to refund a deposit.

• Tenants reporting rental properties with major maintenance issues
• Lack of action by some landlords creating unsafe and unhealthy homes
• Landlords warned not to undertake unlicensed plumbing or electrical repairs

Consumer Protection is receiving numerous reports of sub-standard rental properties being leased to WA tenants from some private landlords.

These landlords are failing to properly maintain their properties and carry out essential repairs that are creating dangerous hazards with the potential to harm tenants.

• 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.

Anyone who’s tried to cancel a contract to buy a new or used car may recall being slugged with a fee from the dealer for pulling out of the deal.

Known as ‘pre-estimated liquidated damages’, the fee is supposed to be a true reflection of actual costs incurred by the dealership as a result of the transaction falling through, such as vehicle licensing costs, special accessories that may have been fitted and demonstrable administration costs.