As people begin opening their hearts and their wallets to donate to the victims of Perth’s current bushfire disaster, Consumer Protection is warning donors to be aware that scammers may also be on the prowl.
A new mandatory code of practice is now in force for WA’s prepaid funeral industry which aims to safeguard the estimated $170 million being held to pay for future funerals.
The new code which began on 1 March 2021 will ensure that the funds will be managed within secure investments under the name of the client until they are required.
Tenants and landlords are encouraged to contact Consumer Protection for advice about rental rights and responsibilities, particularly in relation to termination notices and evictions.
Australia’s vaccine roll-out will hopefully spell the beginning of the end of the coronavirus crisis, but we can’t afford to become complacent when it comes to avoiding COVID-19 related scams.
Scams where COVID-19 was mentioned have so far stolen $8.4 million from Australians since the start of the pandemic, while 20 victims in Western Australia have reported losing almost $144,000 to WA ScamNet.
If you have a bad experience with a business, sharing your story on social media and elsewhere online might seem like a good way to warn others to steer clear, but it may not be the most effective way to have your voice heard.
Consumer laws in WA give us the authority to receive and investigate complaints against traders, before taking the appropriate action – such as an attempt at conciliation, a public naming or even potentially a prosecution in court.
Consumer Protection is urging home owners to carefully choose their tree-loppers following reports of unscrupulous operators offering their services in Perth.
Scammers have stolen about $375,000 intended to fund the aged care costs of a 102 year old woman, the money being the proceeds from the sale of her Ferndale home.
Labels such as ‘eco-friendly’ and ‘sustainable’ can be attractive for shoppers wanting to do their bit for the environment, but it’s not always easy to sort what’s fact from fiction.
That’s why a recent internet sweep by consumer agencies throughout the world, including Consumer Protection in WA, focused on identifying misleading environmental claims for the first time.
An increase in online shopping activity during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a huge 500 per cent increase in losses to scams for that category in 2020 statistics compiled by WA ScamNet at Consumer Protection.
In 2020, 257 online shoppers in WA reported total losses of $653,745, compared to 129 victims losing $127,304 in 2019.
We like to think our homes are a safe space for our families, but sometimes the biggest dangers are lurking where you might least expect them.
Tragically, free-hanging cords from window coverings like curtains and blinds have been responsible for the deaths and injuries of many Australian children, including a two-year-old girl who died after being strangled by a blind cord at her Queensland home late last year.
