Consumer Protection

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Albany real estate sales representative convicted of misleading a property buyer
• Told buyer she could move into a unit declared non-habitable
• Buyers urged to make own enquiries if in doubt about council approvals 

Wrongly telling a homebuyer she could live in a dwelling that had been deemed ‘non-habitable’ by local government authorities has seen a former real estate sales representative convicted and penalised nearly $5,300 following action by Consumer Protection.

• Albany real estate sales representative convicted of misleading a property buyer
• Told buyer she could move into a unit declared non-habitable
• Buyers urged to make own enquiries if in doubt about council approvals 

Wrongly telling a homebuyer she could live in a dwelling that had been deemed ‘non-habitable’ by local government authorities has seen a former real estate sales representative convicted and penalised nearly $5,300 following action by Consumer Protection.

• WA ScamNet Year in Review report released
• Scammers steal record $22 million from Western Australians in 2023
• Facebook cons drive higher reporting numbers, up 62 per cent
• Artificial intelligence scams an emerging issue for this year and beyond 

The release of the WA ScamNet Year in Review report has revealed that scam records were shattered last year with 1,398 Western Australians victims reportedly fleeced of $21,995,489 in 2023, up 36 per cent from 2022.

A lot of us love a bit of online shopping. The convenience and fast delivery times are all part of the lure. Online stores like Temu, Amazon and Shein are great for a bargain but who do you approach to get help when delivery is delayed or even worse… it never arrives?

Based on the complaints Consumer Protection receives, we know a lot of people believe they need to take delivery issues up with the courier service. But that is not always correct.

The online retailer is responsible. They are the ones who hold the contract with the courier service.

Splitting a rental with mates or even people you find through an advert can be a smart way to tackle soaring rent prices and low vacancy rates. But before you start dividing up chores and discussing furniture options, it’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to share house arrangements.

How’s that new year fitness resolution going? Maybe the January eagerness to get to the gym has worn off or you’re nearing the end of a 12-week fitness challenge and you’re feeling the pressure to sign up for another one.

The good news is, no matter what you decide to do with your fitness goals, you are protected by Western Australian law when it comes to using fitness service providers.