Consumer Protection

• 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.

When you hire a tradesperson to undertake a home renovation or maintenance job, they might ask for a deposit upfront to confirm the booking or cover any materials they need to order.

While tradespeople are legally allowed to ask for deposits, there are a few things we want consumers to know before paying them.

A common issue reported to Consumer Protection is traders who demand large deposits – or even full payment upfront – then fail to complete the agreed work, leaving consumers both out of pocket and without the work done. 

• 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.

• 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.

• National and state consumer laws will be consistent with automatic updates
• WA parliament has the option not to adopt changes if any concerns
• Amendments will benefit WA consumers and businesses

National changes to consumer laws will be more easily and more quickly reflected in state laws with a new mechanism now being adopted.