Consumer Protection

• Rivervale man fined $4,000 for dealing more than 40 vehicles with no licence
• Magistrate says licensing important for safety and protection of consumers
• Consumer Protection urges the community to report any illegal sales

A Magistrate has reminded the community that the licensing of motor vehicle dealers in WA is “not just red tape” as he fined a Rivervale man $4,000 for illegal sales while being unlicensed.

• Bedrooms by Aura and Simone Lockett fined $15,000 for failing to deliver
• Court orders six consumers be paid about $36,000 in compensation
• Affected consumers from around Australia ordered items online and via Facebook

A Perth retailer of luxury designer furniture has been ordered to pay a total of $47,387.91 by the Perth Magistrates Court being a fine, costs and compensation after taking payments from consumers but, in most cases, not delivering the goods.

• Candice Evans to lead the team in Consumer Protection’s Geraldton office
• Her experience in helping tenants will be useful in new role
• Consumer Protection’s presence in the region increases ability to deal with local issues

Consumer Protection has appointed a new senior regional officer to service the region which covers Geraldton and an area as far as Carnarvon, the northern Wheatbelt around Moora and remote communities such as Wiluna to the east.

• Bouyden McKenzie takes up position in Consumer Protection’s Kalgoorlie office
• His experience in supporting and educating the community useful in new role
• Department’s presence in the region increases ability to deal with local issues

Consumer Protection has appointed a new senior regional officer in Kalgoorlie to service the Goldfields region which covers an area as far as Northam, Esperance and remote communities north of Leonora and Laverton.

• Six year old child recovers from ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitiser
• Consuming sanitiser can cause serious health issues
• Sanitiser bottles should be kept out of reach of children

An urgent safety warning has been issued by Consumer Protection after a six year old child who had consumed hand sanitiser was admitted to a Perth hospital.

• Reports of people participating in another illegal pyramid scheme/gifting circle
• The Commitment Circle is believed to have originated in New Zealand
• The scheme has targeted people in remote Indigenous communities in Australia

People who take part in gifting circles are being warned by Consumer Protection that they could be breaking the law and could face prosecution following reports of another illegal pyramid scheme being promoted in Australia and New Zealand.

• Tenants looking for rentals have lost thousands after responding to fake ads
• Recent victims are mothers who are now homeless and out of pocket
• People looking for rentals are urged to inspect the property before paying

Tenants who are desperate to secure a rental property in the current tight market are being targeted by scammers with many thousands of dollars being lost and Consumer Protection urging caution before handing over money.

• 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.

• $18,000 in fines for consumer law offences and unlicensed repair work.
• Mr Goodall ordered to pay $2,200 and $800 compensation to two clients.
• Case follows a Consumer Protection warning last year and a 2012 conviction.

A Bayswater panel beater has been fined a total of $18,000 and ordered to pay $3,000 in compensation after pleading guilty to several consumer law breaches and operating without a licence.

• Sales rep failed to act honestly and fairly in land sale at Henderson
• Benjamin Widdowson breached the real estate industry Code of Conduct
• Financial interest in the sale not disclosed to all parties

A Perth real estate sales representative has been reprimanded and disqualified from holding a registration for 12 months by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) for his dishonest involvement during the sale process in a land deal.