Consumer Protection

Airline passengers continue to feel the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, even though the pandemic has eased off. Travel-related complaints to Consumer Protection more than tripled in 2021-22, compared to 2018-19 and we continue to receive complaints that are related to travel interruptions.

The majority of complaints (257 or 61 per cent) relate to flights, with many airline passengers telling us they’re struggling to get a refund or use travel credits since their flights were cancelled or delayed, some as far back as 2019.

• Concern that consumers are paying for freely available services and information
• Fee-charging consumer and tenant advocates are advertising on social media
• $5 million in redress achieved mostly in areas of retail, travel and motor vehicles

WA consumers who pay for complaint conciliation services promoted by people via social media pages and advertisements are paying for a service that is available for free.

• 60 complaints received from unhappy and concerned Perth consumers
• Issues include excessive pricing, misleading advice and poor quality of work
• Seek out multiple quotes and check the person is licensed to do the work

Consumers are being cautioned by Consumer Protection and Building and Energy to make a wise choice when engaging plumbing services, with a high number of complaints and enquiries being received against a few rogue operators in Perth.

As living costs rise, many tenants may find themselves in a difficult financial position and struggle to pay rent.

We urge tenants who miss (or expect to miss) a rental payment to explain their situation to their landlord or real estate agent as soon as possible to hopefully avoid stressful breach notices, potential court action and even eviction.

A landlord might agree to a rent reduction for a period of time, waive a payment or agree to defer payment over a longer timeframe while you get back on your feet. 

• WA losses to the shipping container scam escalate to $375,000 so far this year
• Fake websites selling containers are promoted via online classified ad sites
• Sharp increase in losses alarms Consumer Protection, another warning issued

Losses to shipping container scams in WA have escalated to a total of $375,000 so far this year, prompting a renewed urgent warning.

• Exploding gunpowder used in a cap gun causes serious hand injury
• High Wycombe boy is being treated for second degree burns
• General warning about Halloween novelty items that may pose hazards

Consumer Protection is investigating a Halloween-related incident involving exploding gunpowder that has caused a serious injury to a Perth boy’s hand.

The 11 year old boy was opening a packet of ring caps to load into his cap gun when several of the capsules exploded, causing second degree burns to his right hand. He was taken to hospital for treatment.

• High number of complaints and enquiries about extended warranties on new cars
• Similar issues reported on new whitegoods and electronics
• Shoppers reminded that guarantees under Australian Consumer Law are free

As the busy Christmas shopping period approaches, Consumer Protection is urging Western Australians to avoid buying extended warranties on new products such as cars, whitegoods and electronics.

• Serious concerns about tree lopper’s unethical and illegal business practices
• Demanding cash payment in full upfront and no receipt a warning sign
• Don’t deal with this rogue tree lopper with long history of bad behaviour

Consumer Protection is issuing yet another public warning about the bad behaviour of a dodgy Perth tree lopper who has been the subject of numerous warnings and prosecution actions over many years.

• Warning for children to avoid riding quad bikes during upcoming summer holidays
• Over a third of child drowning deaths in 2021-22 occurred in a swimming pool
• Portable pools, trampolines and gifts containing button batteries are other hazards

As the weather heats up, many families are looking forward to spending more time outdoors and around water. Consumer Protection wants to help keep children safe from risks.

• Repairer ordered by SAT to pay total of $4,676 in fines and costs
• Failed to provide a police clearance as required by certificate condition
• Also failed to advise changes of address as required by law

Failing to comply with a condition attached to his certificate has resulted in a $3,000 fine and a reprimand for a Perth motor vehicle repairer.