Ned Kelly
23-09-2008, 10:14
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 16 September 2008
Buyers being ripped off
Consumer Protection says consumers should be wary of a group of itinerants selling generators, high pressure cleaners and fire pumps, after discovering they may be trading illegally from the back of vans.
Consumer Protection and WA Police were alerted recently to a group of men with Irish accents who have allegedly been selling the equipment from the back of rented vans.
They have allegedly been misrepresenting the value and quality of this equipment to unsuspecting buyers in the Wheatbelt and the South-West.
The group are travelling in up to 12 white vans in regional areas of WA.
Vans have been spotted in Bunbury, Donnybrook, Manjimup, Goomalling, Northam, Merredin, Geraldton, Northampton and as close to the city as Mundaring.
Police are investigating the group’s movements and activities.
Reports of their activities comes just weeks after Consumer Protection officers discovered a different group selling cheap hi-fi equipment illegally from the back of vans in Perth.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said the traders could be breaking the law, and that the agency has commenced an investigation. However with the itinerant nature of these people it is important that the community is alerted to their presence and method of selling goods so that consumers are forewarned.
“Under the Fair Trading Act, individuals can be fined up to $20,000 for falsely representing the quality, features or place of origin of goods sold,” she said.
“In addition to that, the Door to Door Trading Act dictates that money cannot be taken at the time of purchase during an unsolicited approach, and consumers must be provided with documentation about their rights.
“Any unsolicited sale above $50 is subject to a 10-day cooling-off period and consumers must be provided with two prescribed forms that assist them to cancel the contract.”
Ms Driscoll urged consumers who have been approached by or purchased equipment from these men to call Consumer Protection immediately on 1300 30 40 54.:D
Buyers being ripped off
Consumer Protection says consumers should be wary of a group of itinerants selling generators, high pressure cleaners and fire pumps, after discovering they may be trading illegally from the back of vans.
Consumer Protection and WA Police were alerted recently to a group of men with Irish accents who have allegedly been selling the equipment from the back of rented vans.
They have allegedly been misrepresenting the value and quality of this equipment to unsuspecting buyers in the Wheatbelt and the South-West.
The group are travelling in up to 12 white vans in regional areas of WA.
Vans have been spotted in Bunbury, Donnybrook, Manjimup, Goomalling, Northam, Merredin, Geraldton, Northampton and as close to the city as Mundaring.
Police are investigating the group’s movements and activities.
Reports of their activities comes just weeks after Consumer Protection officers discovered a different group selling cheap hi-fi equipment illegally from the back of vans in Perth.
Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said the traders could be breaking the law, and that the agency has commenced an investigation. However with the itinerant nature of these people it is important that the community is alerted to their presence and method of selling goods so that consumers are forewarned.
“Under the Fair Trading Act, individuals can be fined up to $20,000 for falsely representing the quality, features or place of origin of goods sold,” she said.
“In addition to that, the Door to Door Trading Act dictates that money cannot be taken at the time of purchase during an unsolicited approach, and consumers must be provided with documentation about their rights.
“Any unsolicited sale above $50 is subject to a 10-day cooling-off period and consumers must be provided with two prescribed forms that assist them to cancel the contract.”
Ms Driscoll urged consumers who have been approached by or purchased equipment from these men to call Consumer Protection immediately on 1300 30 40 54.:D