Consumer Protection

WA ScamNet has released a 2022 scam report, with 1,203 people reporting combined losses of $15,988,513 - a seven per cent increase on 2021’s recorded losses and recorded amount of victims.

The report reveals online shopping and classified scams claimed the most victims.

274 online shoppers lost a total of $876,774, with 270 buyers and sellers on classified sites losing a total of $564,680 - likely due to COVID-19 reaching its peak in WA and the need to isolate at home.

• 67 victims reported losing almost $3 million to romance scams in WA in 2022
• Don’t transfer money or give your bank account details to someone you haven’t met in person
• Assume people you speak with online are scammers 

This Valentine’s Day (14 February), don’t open your heart up to scammers targeting vulnerable victims looking for love online.

Romance and dating scams are on the rise, with scammers using a broader range of communication methods to lure victims in, including social media, dating sites and even over the phone.

• Fans hoping to still buy tickets to UFC event urged to be vigilant to scams
• Tickets sold in violation of ticket scalping laws could be cancelled and entry refused  
• Some ads re-selling tickets illegally have already been taken down

Fans who are desperate to attend the sold out Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC 284) event at Perth’s RAC Arena on Sunday night (12 February 2023) are being cautioned about buying last-minute second-hand tickets online.

• 14 further complaints received after first public warning issued last year.
• Consumers now claim to be owed a total of $62,000 for incomplete or no work.
• Warning not to do business with the air conditioning installer and custom trailer builder.

Despite a public warning being issued last year, a Perth air conditioning installer and builder of custom vehicle trailers continues to attract more consumer complaints for failing to begin or complete his work and not carrying out repairs.

• Record scam losses of $16 million in 2022 impact record number of victims
• Almost half of all WA scam victims last year fell for online shopping or trading scams
• People chasing high investment returns or looking for love lost the most money
• Western Australians urged to protect themselves from increasingly sophisticated scams

Scam losses and the number of reports and victims in Western Australia broke records in 2022, with 1,203 people losing a combined $15,988,513 - a seven per cent increase on 2021's record losses.

• Guests claim the hotel incorrectly retains their security bonds
• 17 consumer complaints against the hotel and its proprietor remain unresolved
• Consumers advised to consider this alert before making a booking

Consumer Protection is raising a consumer alert about a Perth hotel proprietor who allegedly incorrectly retains security bond payments from guests, either wholly or partially.

• Scammers have set up fake Instagram account leedal_foundation_limited
• The real Leedal Foundation Limited is raising funds for flood victims in Fitzoy Crossing on their Facebook fundraiser page
• Consumers urged to only donate to licensed charities or official fundraisers and not to respond to private messages  

Consumer Protection is warning consumers about scammers who are posing as a legitimate registered charity in Fitzroy Crossing, and using a fake Instagram account - leedal_foundation_limited - asking donors to buy Amazon ecards.

• 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.