A rogue tree lopper is leaving many consumers with holes in their gardens, roofs and pockets. Sean Robert Weinthal of Wanneroo runs a tree lopping service under the apparent name Palm and Tree Professionals.
This unscrupulous tree lopper lures consumers with flyers left in letterboxes stating that local council verge-side collections of green waste are commencing in the next two weeks.
Australians are losing more money to scams than ever before, so taking a moment to consider whether there might be a scammer behind the next random phone call, text message or email you receive has never been so important.
Empowering consumers to learn how to spot a scam is the focus of this year’s Scams Awareness Week (7-11 November 2022), hosted by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Scams Awareness Network.
Being offered an extended warranty by a salesperson on new cars, whitegoods or electronics may be a familiar scenario to many shoppers, but it could be a waste of your money if you buy one.
This is because the products we buy automatically come with a number of guarantees under our consumer laws, including a requirement that they be of acceptable quality and last a reasonable amount of time, depending on what they are and how much they cost.
Times are tough for many Western Australians right now, so lots of households will be looking at ways to manage their rising living costs and keep on top of bills.
To help consumers manage their living expenses, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s (ASIC) Moneysmart service has developed a cost of living ‘hub’ on its website.
‘Exercising more’ is a popular New Year’s resolution, so if you’re thinking about signing-up to a gym or fitness class in 2022, it’s worth knowing that things might be a little different to the last time you joined.
This is because six months ago, on 1 July 2021, the rules governing WA’s fitness industry changed to provide better protection for consumers and to capture a wider range of providers that now include personal trainers, group exercise organisers and yoga classes.
A dodgy tree lopper, who caused dozens of complaints to Consumer Protection from his customers, has earned a public naming by the Consumer Protection Commissioner.
Sean Robert Weinthal of Huntingdale Crescent in Connolly who operates Metropolitan Tree Services and Experienced Tree Service is the focus of an investigation by Consumer Protection and throughout has been uncooperative with investigators and uncaring of the hardships he has caused to his customers.
The collapse of building projects across Australia, including Perth, highlights the risks of buying property “off-the-plan” at a challenging time for the building industry.
Buying a home or investment property is exciting, but off-the-plan developments can be delayed years, or never proceed, as builders face trades and materials shortages, soaring construction costs and delays exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A tenancy advocate and financial counsellor, a domestic violence support group, a child safety program and media stories about funeral insurance were the winners of the 2022 Consumer Protection Awards.
The winners were announced during a presentation lunch at Fraser's Kings Park today.
Every day across Western Australia there many individuals and organisations fighting for the rights of WA consumers and a number of these outstanding efforts have been recognised in this year’s Consumer Protection Awards.
As the weather warms up, our thoughts are likely turning to summer holidays and the festive season, however it’s important that consumers research their purchases to make sure they are safe and fit for purpose.
Faulty products continue to cause serious injury and harm to thousands of Australians every year – in 2017-18, more than 4.5 million faulty or unsafe items were recalled by suppliers.
To protect your home against fire risks at Christmas, choose less hazardous options for decorations, use low-voltage lights and keep flammable items away from the tree.
