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Consumer Protection

Commissioner's Blog: Granny’s gift not so great? Here’s what you can do

Twelve days of Christmas has passed, the tree has been taken down and you're left looking at some unwanted gifts and wondering what to do with them. 

Before you shove them in the back of the drawer, check the retailer’s refund policy. If a gift is not your preferred colour, is the wrong size, or it’s not what you asked for then it’s considered a “change of mind” and is not covered by the Australian Consumer Law. It is up to the business whether they will exchange it, offer a refund or provide store credit as a gesture of goodwill.

Commissioner's Blog: Paid but not delivered? Your rights explained

From tradies to online retailers and even the small business someone in your community runs – they are all bound by Australian Consumer Law and they must ensure their customers get what they for paid for.

This means businesses must not accept payment for goods or services if they do not intend to supply them, if they intend to supply materially different goods or services, or if they knew (or should have known) they would not be able to supply the goods or services in a timely manner.

Commissioner's Blog: Proof of purchase putting consumers in a bind

Receipts have become a big issue, with consumers reporting they are not receiving proof of purchase for items above $75.

Under consumer law, all businesses have an obligation to provide proof of purchase to consumers for goods or services valued at $75 or more.

Where a transaction is valued less, consumers have the option of requiring a proof of purchase to be provided within seven days of the transaction.

Don't let Halloween be a killer - tips on detecting unsafe products

  • Halloween items bought online can lack quality and safety
  • Button batteries, flammable clothing, and skin allergies are of concern
  • Tips to stay safe and prevent Halloween nightmares

As Halloween approaches, families who embrace the tradition are being reminded to prioritise safety when shopping online and in-store.

To demonstrate the potential risks, Consumer Protection ordered a parcel of Halloween-related merchandise from a large popular online retailer.

Unregistered sales rep caught trying to dupe Consumer Protection

  • Convicted fraud offender fined for working as unregistered real estate sales rep
  • Fabricated documents to cover her tracks with new employer
  • Illegal conduct uncovered after a further attempt to mislead the regulator 

A former real estate sales representative who operated without registration and submitted falsified documents to conceal her wrongdoing has been ordered to pay a total of $11,091.50 by the Perth Magistrates Court.

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