Consumer Protection

If you’ve been bombarded with suspicious, garbled text messages lately that mention a missed call or voicemail, you’re not alone.

There’s a good chance that the messages riddled with typos have been generated by malware called FluBot, which tries to steal Android device users’ banking details and other personal information.

We understand the scammers behind the malware are deliberately using bad grammar and spelling errors in the text messages to circumvent strict filters put in place by telco companies that would ordinarily block this type of message from getting through.

Just when many Western Australians may have thought it was safe to book domestic travel, a series of COVID-19 outbreaks have led to interstate lockdowns and tighter border controls.

If your travel plans have been grounded by the latest round of restrictions, then hopefully a refund or credit note was sorted quickly. If not, you’re far from alone. Since COVID-19 started impacting Western Australia in March 2020, Consumer Protection has received nearly 1,200 complaints and 1,340 enquiries from people with travel-related issues.

One of the most dangerous vehicles on Australian farms is about to become much safer, with the second stage of a mandatory safety standard on the cusp of kicking in.

Despite being responsible for the deaths of 14 West Australians in the past decade, quad bikes had never been subject to a safety standard until October last year, when the first stage of new regulations took effect.

Children’s toys that light up and make noise are supposed to be fun, but lurking within many of these devices are a hidden danger – button batteries.

If young children gain access to just one button battery and ingest it, they may suffer internal burn injuries, which can result in serious illness and even death. That’s why it’s crucial for button batteries to be properly and adequately secured within the devices they power. 

• Plumbers assessed customers’ switchboards without an electrical licence
• Magistrate notes offensive conduct, sales tactics and vulnerable victims
• Pair employed by a large Perth plumbing, gas and electrical company

The “scam” conduct of two licensed plumbers who provided unqualified electrical advice was “morally offensive” as it involved vulnerable victims and sales tactics, according to a Perth Magistrate.

• Tenancy toolkit uses imagery to assist visual storytelling of complex legal issues
• The aim is to improve the understanding of tenancy laws and processes
• Aboriginal and culturally linguistically diverse communities to be targeted

A major effort to improve the understanding of renting rights in vulnerable communities has been launched with the release of a specially-designed educational toolkit.

• Dangers lurk in some products used in celebrations of the popular event
• Button batteries, flammable clothing and cosmetic allergies of concern
• Tips to stay safe and prevent Halloween nightmares

Avoid unwanted frights or serious surprises this Halloween by checking that costumes, decorations and novelties are safe.

While many children and their families look forward to the fun celebration of Halloween each year, Consumer Protection warns that the event comes with unique safety considerations.

• Revamped website with new search and mapping features now online
• Finding the cheapest fuel will be quick and easy
• A new logo to celebrate the 20th anniversary of FuelWatch

A revamped FuelWatch website has been launched with enhanced search and interactive mapping features which will make it quick and easy for WA motorists to find the cheapest fuel sites in their area.

• Tickets for major concerts being re-sold in breach of new laws
• Several online ticket re-selling sites under investigation
• Consumers advised to buy tickets only from authorised agents

Ticket sales for upcoming major concerts to be held in Perth next year are now in Consumer Protection’s sights after reports that tickets are being sold at prices not allowed under WA’s new ticket scalping laws.

• Consumer Protection granted supervision order to take over settlement agency
• Action follows failure to complete recent settlements and disburse funds
• Transactions involving the agency’s trust account under investigation

A supervisor will be appointed to a West Leederville settlement agency to take control of the agency’s bank accounts and its operations after concerns were raised about its inability to complete numerous property settlements and failing to communicate with clients.