Recalled Samsung top loader washing machines remain in Australian homes, creating a serious fire hazard that puts lives at risk.
We want anyone who has a Samsung top loader to check the model number on the back of the machine above the barcode, and make sure it’s not a recalled machine listed at:
www.samsung.com/au/washingmachinerecall.
The spread of COVID-19 coronavirus around the world has created a worrying and confusing time for many - holidaymakers are wondering about cancelling trips abroad, while panic-buying has even turned the weekly grocery shop into a daunting task.
Concerned consumers have come to us with numerous enquiries about their rights, so we thought it timely to release a list of Frequently Asked Questions that aim to answer some of the more common queries.
With Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe
Fitness fanatics may be left wondering what will happen to their gym memberships with ‘non-essential’ services like gymnasiums now shutdown around the country as part of the State and Federal Governments’ continuing efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
The Supreme Court has overturned the acquittal of a Perth tree lopper and convicted him on six charges of breaking consumer law related to an unsolicited sale after a successful appeal by Consumer Protection.
Sean Robert Weinthal, who at the time of the offences was operating under the business name West Coast Trees, was acquitted of the charges by the Perth Magistrates Court in June 2019 but this was overturned on appeal by the Supreme Court on 30 April 2020. He will be sentenced on 13 July 2020.
Toppled trees and fallen branches are a regular sight around Perth following high winds and thunderstorms, meaning winter is usually a busy time for the arborist industry.
Hiring a tree-lopper or a tradesperson for any job should be a hassle-free experience, which is why consumers should exercise caution and research the businesses before engaging their services.
Consumer Protection received 55 enquiries and 18 complaints about tree loppers in the past 12 months, mostly related to operators not using due care and skill.
The search is on for outstanding WA individuals, organisations and groups who are strong advocates for consumer rights, with nominations open for the prestigious 20th anniversary Consumer Protection Awards.
The awards shine a spotlight on the great work being carried out in the community, such as offering advice, assistance and education; lobbying for change; creating greater understanding of consumer law; promoting product safety; or highlighting consumer issues generally.
A 53 year old Applecross man was fined $4,500 by the Perth Magistrates Court on 24 July 2020 after pleading guilty to buying and selling 52 motor vehicles without a licence.
The man, who was granted a spent conviction, had traded the vehicles between May 2018 and November 2019 in most cases using Gumtree. Not having a licence for this level of trading breaches the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Lanie Chopping said the campaign to stop backyard sellers was ongoing.
If you’re a Western Australian who loves to travel, then odds are high you’ve had a trip cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Hopefully your refund or remedy was sorted quickly, but if not, you’re certainly not alone. Complaints to Consumer Protection were five times higher in the period from March 1 2020 until now, compared with the same period last year.
Of the 625 travel-related complaints received, more than half were from consumers seeking refunds that were either denied or were offered credit notes instead.
A winter warning for consumers looking to have their fireplaces cleaned – stay away from a chimney sweep who takes your money but then wanders off without finishing or even starting the job.
Neil Michael Cole, formerly of Gidgegannup but now believed to be living in the Bunbury area and trading as The Wandering Chimney Sweep, has been advertising his services on Facebook Marketplace. On six occasions since September 2018 he has taken deposits from consumers as well as one full payment, but has failed to either commence or complete the work.
A Perth tree lopper with a dubious history of bad behaviour when dealing with consumers has been ordered by the Supreme Court to pay a total of $22,380.60 in fines and costs after being convicted on appeal of breaching consumer laws relating to unsolicited sales.
