Consumer Protection

• Queensland-based company and Director fined a total of $6,000
• Court orders two WA consumers be paid $2,183.50 in compensation
• Traders warned not to betray consumers’ trust by failing to deliver

A stone repair and cleaning company and its sole Director have been ordered by the Perth Magistrates Court to pay a total of $9,203 in fines, costs and consumer compensation for failing to carry out services after payments were made.

• Four consumers pay for decorative screens but get nothing in return
• Full refunds given two years later, just prior to Court appearance
• Business proprietor fined $5,000 for accepting payments but failing to deliver

A producer of custom laser-cut panels, screens and gates who took consumers’ money but failed to deliver has received a $5,000 fine imposed by the Perth Magistrates Court on 16 April 2021.

Now that Cyclone Seroja has come and gone, many regional Western Australians will be assessing the damage and counting the cost of the destruction left in its wake.

One of the first steps to be taken if your property has been damaged in a natural disaster like this is to check what your insurance policy covers for storms and floods.

• 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.

• 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.

• $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.

• 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.

• Thornlie couple lose their home purchase savings in a payment redirection scam
• Settlement agent’s email used by scammers looked almost the same
• Property buyers and sellers should be suspicious of payment demands by email

A Thornlie couple’s dream of buying their first home in Australia has been shattered after scammers stole almost $133,000 after cloning the settlement agent’s email address.

 

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe  

• 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.