A spike in reports of Western Australians losing money to the tax debt scam has prompted Consumer Protection to issue an alert in an effort to reduce the mounting losses. So far this year, 21 victims have reported to WA ScamNet losing a total of $78,250 with 11 victims losing $38,800 just last month. The highest single loss was $10,200. Most were ordered to pay their supposed tax debt by...

A Koondoola patio installer has been ordered to pay a total of $16,091.15 in fines, costs and compensation by the Perth Magistrates Court after taking deposits from four consumers but failing to carry out any work. Thanh Giang Nguyen , trading as T.A.Y Patios and Outdoors , pleaded guilty to accepting four deposits between July 2016 and July 2017 without commencing any work or providing a refund...

Geraldton consumers will enjoy extra hours of shopping on a permanent basis. In response to the recent provision of fresh information by the City of Greater Geraldton, the Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations Bill Johnston reviewed his decision to approve extended retail trading hours in Geraldton. On 28 November 2018, the Minister informed the Council that, having assessed the material...

Whether you have been renting a home for many years or are just about to jump into the rental market for the first time, it’s important to be aware of your rights and responsibilities. Residential tenancy matters make up a large part of the work we do at Consumer Protection. Our contact centre refers more than 100 calls from tenants each week to our Property Industries team for assistance. Part...

The average price of unleaded petrol is set to increase by over 16 cents per litre (cpl) to 148.4 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money. FuelWatch advises that on Tuesday 20 November 2018, most Caltex sites are increasing their ULP price to 152.7 cpl (hiking by 22.8 cpl). Most BP, Caltex Woolworths and Coles Express sites are increasing their ULP...

On average one child dies from a portable pool-related drowning every year in Australia, while others need hospital treatment and may be left with severe brain injuries. These statistics have prompted Australian Consumer Law and product safety regulators to join forces with Royal Life Saving Society - Australia to remind parents and carers to make portable pools SAFE. Portable pools – ranging...

Many of us have fond memories of splashing around in a portable pool as a child and, as the weather warms up, we’ve launched a campaign to remind parents and carers to make these pools safe. Portable pools – ranging from small blow-up or plastic paddling or kiddie pools to bigger wading pools, inflatable spas or high-sided flexible plastic pools on a frame – can be popular in summer as a cheap...

The average price of unleaded petrol is set to increase by over 12 cents per litre (cpl) to 153.9 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money. FuelWatch advises that on Tuesday 13 November 2018, most Coles Express sites are increasing their ULP price to 159.9 cpl (hiking by 19.4 cpl). Most 7-Eleven, BP, Caltex and Puma sites are increasing their ULP...

It’s only early November but many consumers are already searching for great deals as they plan for their Christmas and New Year celebrations yet, as always, it is a case of buyer beware especially when it comes to shopping online. This year our WA ScamNet team has received reports about fake websites selling everything from toys to barbecues and outboard motors. Buyers pay for the items which are...

The average price of unleaded petrol is set to increase by around 13 cents per litre (cpl) to 159.5 cpl tomorrow, so FuelWatch is encouraging Perth drivers to fill up today to save money. FuelWatch advises that on Tuesday 6 November 2018, most Coles Express sites are increasing their ULP price to 165.9 cpl (increasing by 21 cpl). Most BP and Caltex sites are increasing their ULP price to 161.9...

A fraudster has used stolen social media images to pose as a ship captain in a romance scam that duped a Wheatbelt woman out of more than $10,000. Consumer Protection is warning that false identities featuring the same man’s photos continue to appear on dating and social media platforms. Claiming to be called ‘Captain Thomas Steve’, the scammer initially connected with the woman on Instagram...

A Noranda real estate agent has been fined $800 and ordered to pay costs of $900 by the Perth Magistrates Court for making unauthorised withdrawals from the agency’s trust account and failing to have the account audited. The agent, who was granted a spent conviction order, made two unauthorised withdrawals from the trust account – $450 in October 2016 and $1,350 in November 2016 – to pay a...