Consumer Protection

• 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.

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. 

• 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.

• Agency and supervisor fined $7,000 each for failing their legal obligations
• Sales rep fined $2,000 after working for nine months without registration
• Reminder to real estate industry to be aware of their duties under the law

A North Perth real estate agency, its supervisor and an unregistered sales representative have been fined a total of $16,000 by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) as a result of disciplinary action by Consumer Protection.

• Kimberley flood donors urged to verify that charities are genuine
• Scammers may set up fake charities on social media and fundraising sites
• Advice to only donate to licensed charities and do an online check

Generous Western Australians wanting to donate to victims of the Kimberley floods are being warned to watch out for scammers who often exploit these events by setting up fake charities.

• Strong demand results in 730% increase in complaints over five years
• Delivery delays for new models and sale of flood-affected used vehicles blamed
• Consumer Protection recovered $6 million for vehicle buyers in the past two years

The number of consumer complaints relating to the sale of defective second-hand motor vehicles in WA has skyrocketed, increasing 730% over the past five years and reaching a peak in 2022.