The search is on for outstanding individuals, organisations, groups and the media who advocate for and promote consumer rights in WA, with nominations open for the prestigious 20th anniversary Consumer Protection Awards.
Many shoppers like to ‘tap-and-go’ when paying for purchases, while others like to hand-over cash, but one thing all consumers have in common is the right to receive a receipt if they want one.
Consumer Protection was concerned recently to hear claims that a retailer in WA had denied a consumer’s request for a paper receipt, citing ‘company policy’ and pointing them to their own bank statement for proof of purchase.
Western Australians who have made financial donations to charities in the last 10 years or more are being urged to beware of scams following reports of a major data breach of a telemarketing company holding donor information from Australian charity organisations.
Everyone has the right to privacy in their own homes, and those living in rental properties across Western Australia are certainly no exception.
Claims of private landlords and property managers arriving unannounced for inspections, maintenance and rent collection are fairly common issues reported to Consumer Protection – in the past two years, our team has fielded 177 enquiries and 36 complaints from tenants on this front.
Western Australian seniors are being targeted by scammers through a fake WA Seniors Card website requesting money and multiple forms of personal identification.
A Perth CBD real estate agency has been fined and reprimanded by the State Administrative Tribunal for failing to lodge nine security bonds worth $14,200 within the required timeframe, following action by Consumer Protection.
Behind the spotlight of gorgeous glamour shots, tender newborn photos and loving family portraits can be a dark reality. Unfortunately, some studio photography businesses behave like predators waiting to lure customers in with fake prizes, false promotions or “heavily discounted packages” that end up costing thousands.
Last year, Consumer Protection received eight complaints about studio photography businesses. With this number of complaints already received this year, the trend is concerning and a warning is needed to highlight the potential red flags.
Consumer Protection is urging Western Australian families to avoid doing business with an au pair placement provider that has allegedly taken $37,219 from unhappy customers.
Selling the wrong property to a buyer has resulted in a Kelmscott real estate agency accepting a reprimand and the payment of $7,000 in fines and costs following disciplinary action by Consumer Protection.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to rent out your empty property, this is it. The State Government will pay you $5,000 to bring your vacant house, apartment, villa or unit to the long-term rental market for West Aussies to lease.
There's a significant shortage of rental properties available in WA, leading to tough competition among renters. Leasing your empty property for at least 12 months provides a secure long-term home to tenants such as families, couples, retirees or regional workers.
