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Department of Justice and Community Safety

PUBLIC WARNING STATEMENTS

Unfortunately, not all people conduct their business practices in a fair manner. Sometimes the ACT Office of Fair Trading receives ongoing complaints about the same person or business.

The Office investigates these complaints and, if a person or business is found to have been engaging in unfair business practices, and does not comply with the law after the matter is brought to their attention, the Commissioner for Fair Trading can issue a public warning statement under section 41A of the Fair Trading (Consumer Affairs) Act 1973.

A statement may identify and give warnings or information about the following:

  • goods that are unsatisfactory or dangerous and people who supply those goods;
  • services that are supplied in an unsatisfactory way and people who supply those services;
  • commercial practices that are unfair and people who engage in those practices;
  • anything else that adversely affects or may adversely affect the interests of people in relation to the acquisition by them of goods or services from suppliers.

To date the Commissioner has issued public warning statements as indicated below.

If you have dealt with these trader since the statements have been issued, you are asked to provide details to the Office of Regulatory Services, Fair Trading on 6207 0400.

 

Trader Name

Description of Unfair Practices

Trevor KARLSSON -

advertises as a repairer of electrical appliances and whitegoods and associates himself with major whitegoods manufacturers

also trading as:

  • ACT Approved Repairer
  • ACT Service Provider
  • ACT Service Centre
  • Appliance Repairs & Sales
  • ACT Appliance Repairs
  • Westinghouse Appliance Repairs
  • Hoover Appliance Repairs
  • Dishlex Appliance Repairs
  • Fisher & Paykel Appliance Repairs
  • Trevor Karlson

 

Diagnoses problems and repairs goods. Insists on immediate payment. Consumer then uses the goods or appliances only to find that the problem remains.

Advertisements provide PO box numbers (not a physical address).

Uses different telephone numbers in his advertisements which give consumers the impression that the ads are for separate businesses but each of the phone numbers is diverted to one person - Mr Karlsson.

More information -

Wayne KELLY -

fencing contractor

trading as Premier Fencing

(services advertised on page 360 of the 2006 Canberra White Pages and page 567 of the Yellow Pages)

 

Takes a deposit but does not carry out the work.

Leaves work unfinished or in a sub-standard condition. Consumer incurs costs of having work fixed or finished.

Fails to pay back money for uncompleted work.

Fails to repair substandard workmanship in accordance with warranty conditions.

More information -

Media Release of 29 September 2005 (Wayne Kelly Trading as Premier Fencing Named in Public Warning Statement Issued by ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading)

 

Edwin MACK

trading as Vibe Kitchens

(services advertised on page 450 of the 2006 Canberra White Pages and page 833 of the Yellow Pages)

 

Work not commenced.

Work not satisfactorily completed.

On one occasion a deposit was taken but work not commenced. Refund cheque dishonoured when banked by the customer.

More information -

Media release of 6 April 2006 (Commissioner for Fair Trading Warns Consumers About Vibe Kitchens and Edwin Mack)
   
   


Tip: When engaging a tradesperson, it is good practice to ask for references. Check that the person has a business ABN as well as a physical adress. Avoid doing business with a person who will not provide more than a phone or PO box number.