Consumer Protection

• Global internet sweep finds four out of ten traders may be misleading consumers
• Environmental claims and frequent use of ‘eco’ and ‘sustainable’ not supported
• Action aimed at protecting consumers from fake ‘eco-friendly’ products

An internet sweep by a group of consumer agencies throughout the world, including Consumer Protection in Western Australia, has uncovered potentially misleading environmental claims by an alarming number of online traders.

We like to think our homes are a safe space for our families, but sometimes the biggest dangers are lurking where you might least expect them.

Tragically, free-hanging cords from window coverings like curtains and blinds have been responsible for the deaths and injuries of many Australian children, including a two-year-old girl who died after being strangled by a blind cord at her Queensland home late last year.

Perth’s rental market might be tight right now, but that doesn’t mean tenants should accept living in a home that’s falling into disrepair, nor tolerate surprise visits by their landlords.

Unfortunately we have received an increased number of complaints about both scenarios. In 2021, Consumer Protection received 188 complaints relating to repair and maintenance issues and 29 complaints about unexpected visits, which are illegal.

• Strong community support for reforming the tow truck industry to protect vulnerable traffic accident victims
• Reforms include licensing of tow truck operators and criminal checks
• Regulatory strategy to be developed to ensure a fair and safe towing industry in WA
• Reform options to be presented to State Government for consideration by mid-2022 

The McGowan Government is reforming the tow truck industry in Western Australia to protect people involved in traffic accidents and combat bad behaviour and price gouging.

• Seeking feedback on proposed funeral pricing rules for WA
• Price to be displayed upfront, clearer and more transparent for funeral organisers
• Aim is to stamp out misleading practices at a distressing time for those who have lost a loved one

Confusion over the true cost of funerals will be targeted by proposed regulations being put forward by the McGowan Government as part of the current reform of funeral industry pricing practices.

With discussion in the community about possible inflation and interest rate rises, many people will be looking at ways to save money to balance the family budget.

One way to save money while grocery shopping is using unit pricing, which shows consumers not just the cost of a product, but what the value of that product is as a cost per standard unit of measurement.

If you’ve ever left a shop wondering whether you have been charged the right amount, then it’s worth knowing that price scanning is an area monitored by Consumer Protection.

Each week our team of compliance officers visit shops across the Perth metropolitan area to investigate whether prices advertised on store shelves match the amounts customers are charged when the goods are scanned at the checkout.

Known as ‘price scanning audits’, these checks are also done by our officers in country towns to ensure regional consumers are paying the advertised shelf price for goods.

While there are many success stories of people who’ve met through apps, websites and social media, there are also numerous tales of scam victims left heartbroken and with a financial loss.

Sadly, dating and romance scams are on the rise in Australia. In WA last year, 85 victims reported losing $3 million to this type of scam, up from 72 victims losing $2.2 million dollars in 2020.

Winter is here, so consumers are being reminded to stay safe when using products like hot water bottles, which cause serious burns to hundreds of Australians each year.

One of the most recent cases involved a 20-year-old man from Melbourne who was treated in hospital for second and third degree burns to his hands and thighs when a hot water bottle burst on his lap.

A reason why hot water bottles can pose a safety risk is that the rubber or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) they’re made from can break or deteriorate over time, so it’s important to regularly check for wear and tear.

With Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping 

Have you ever experienced an electric shock or tingling sensation in your home while touching a metal object like a bathroom tap? It could be a warning sign of a dangerous electrical fault that mustn’t be ignored.