Consumer Protection

• Devastating Mariginiup bushfire a likely target for callous scammers
• Donors urged to be wary of fake websites and bogus social media posts
• Advice to only donate via Lord Mayor’s Distress Fund or licensed charities

Kind-hearted Western Australians looking to donate to the victims of the Mariginiup bushfire are being warned by Consumer Protection to be wary of scammers who may set up fake charity fundraisers.

• Scammers steal nearly $400,000 from WA online shoppers so far in 2023
• Check delivery timeframes for online items to avoid missing Christmas deadline
• 33 extra trading hours approved to make Christmas shopping more convenient

Online shoppers are urged to be on high alert for scams and to remember their consumer rights in the lead up to major retail events like the Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day sales.

• Distressed consumers are being misled following accidents
• 55 complaints against Specialized Tilt Tray and Towing Services in 17 months
• Non-disclosure agreements may contain unfair contract terms

Consumer Protection is warning consumers about a tow truck company believed to be misleading consumers and then asking them to sign non-disclosure agreements to have their vehicle released from their holding yard.

Unsolicited sellers come in all shapes and sizes, trying to grab your attention to buy or sign up for their products or services.

• Thornlie man convicted of selling 103 vehicles after deciding not to renew licence
• Consumer Protection warning to illegal dealers – “we will prosecute”
• Public urged to dob-in unlicensed motor vehicle dealers

Buying and selling more than 100 vehicles in six months has seen a car seller who deliberately decided not to renew his dealer’s licence fined $47,600 by the Armadale Magistrates Court.

• Travelling conmen target WA consumers as part of international based scam
• Thirty-one reports in nine months totalling payments of over $264,000
• Commissioner for Consumer Protection says avoid these scam con artists who leave you with dodgy work

Consumer Protection is warning WA home and business owners to avoid dealing with at least eight road construction companies currently travelling around the state that offer to re-surface bitumen driveways and car parks for seemingly attractive prices, only to leave terrible bitumen work behind, in worse shape than bef

• Consumer Protection disciplines real estate agent for racist conduct
• Email accused Indian immigrants of “turning our beautiful country into filth”
• WA tenants urged to speak out and report racist behaviour

Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake has promised to stand behind any tenant calling out racist behaviour within the WA real estate industry.

• Consumer Protection disciplines real estate agent for racist conduct
• Email accused Indian immigrants of “turning our beautiful country into filth”
• WA tenants urged to speak out and report racist behaviour

Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake has promised to stand behind any tenant calling out racist behaviour within the WA real estate industry.

• Safety warning for parents about the dangers of eRideables
• Quarter of drowning deaths in young children occurred in a pool in 2022-23
• Trampolines and Christmas presents with button batteries can be hazardous

With the warm weather here already, Consumer Protection has some timely safety tips for families to enjoy a safe summer.

A fun way for kids to zip around outdoors is on a motorised scooter, but it is important to remember these devices are not toys and can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Knowing how much to pay tradespeople up front, before the job begins, starts with knowing your consumer rights around job deposits, estimates and quotes – and knowing who you’re dealing with.

Tradespeople provide all kinds of work and services including building, electrical, plumbing and gas, re-roofing, tree lopping, concreting, household repairs and other manual labour work. Most tradespeople are honest and reliable.