Departmental media releases |
Please note that the following files are in PDF format.
May 2012
Sunshine Coast business owner fined - 10/05/12
A Sunshine Coast businessman and his marketing company were convicted and fined $9000 today (10 May) by the Maroochydore Magistrates Court for wrongly accepting payment for advertising.
April 2012
Hop to bunk bed safety this Easter weekend - 05/04/12
Families taking children on holidays over the Easter break are reminded to check the safety of bunk beds.
March 2012
Search warrant executed on wedding photographer - 30/03/12
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) today executed a search warrant at a Fraser Coast property in respect to recent complaints about the non supply of wedding photography services.
Property manager fined for trust account breaches- 29/03/12
A Brisbane property management company and its director were fined $32 000 and ordered to pay $8581.80 restitution in the Brisbane Magistrate´s Court yesterday (28 March).
Itinerant traders on the prowl on the Sunshine Coast - 22/03/12
Sunshine Coast residents are urged to be on the lookout for itinerant traders selling cheap bitumen driveways door-to-door.
Sunshine Coast residents urged to be on top of tree loppers - 21/03/12
Sunshine Coast residents are being urged to take caution if approached by people knocking on doors offering tree lopping services, following reports of itinerant traders operating in the local area.
Don´t fall for sweet-talking scammers online - 21/03/12
Those looking for love online should be wary of cyber Casanovas and online Aphrodites out for financial gain.
Protect your business and your reputation - 20/03/12
Scam proofing your business is about more than protecting your assets.
Slam the phone on scammers - 19/03/12
Mobile phones and internet phone services have vastly improved people´s ability to communicate, but they also provide a cheap and easy way for scammers to make contact.
Slam Scams! - 19/03/12
Slam scams! That´s the message from the Office of Fair Trading during Australian Consumer Fraud Week 2012 (19-25 March).
February 2012
Don´t get burnt by solar scammers - 29/02/12
Queensland consumers are being urged to do their homework when buying solar power systems following a growth in complaints about questionable traders and poor quality products.
Fake fair trading officer scamming Queenslanders - 22/02/12
The Office of Fair Trading is warning Queenslanders to hang up on phone based scammers following reports of a fake fair trading officer cold calling people and asking them to transfer money via Western Union.
Brisbane mediator fined for lying - 07/02/12
A professional mediator was fined $15 000 in the Brisbane Magistrates Court last week (1 February) for falsely claiming she was affiliated with the Queensland Law Society.
Fair Trading road show rolls into region - 06/02/12
Southern Downs residents will have the opportunity to have all their consumer rights questions answered this week when the Office of Fair Trading road show rolls into town.
January 2012
Magnets a deadly risk to children- 11/01/12
The Office of Fair Trading is renewing its warning to parents about the dangers of magnetic toys following the recent death of a Queensland toddler.
Duplex management simplified by new regulation - 04/01/12
Duplex owners have received a new year´s gift of new rules that will simplify the day-to-day management of their properties.
December 2011
Toxic toys pulled from Australian shelves -16/12/11
The Queensland Government is leading the way in the battle to stamp out toxic phthalates in children´s toys.
Family affair as unlicensed car dealers fined - 14/12/11
A man, his sister and her husband have been fined a total of $12,500 after being convicted of unlicensed motor dealing in the Richlands Magistrates Court recently.
Dating agency director sentenced for breaching court order - 02/12/11
A Gold Coast dating agency director has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for contempt of court after a hearing in the Brisbane Civil Supreme Court today.
November 2011
Gold Coast charity fined for unauthorised fundraising - 22/11/11
Gold Coast charity Peace for the Children Ltd and one of its directors, Grant Hilton, have been fined a total of $60,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court for unlawful fundraising.
Beenleigh real estate agent and company fined $25,000 - 08/11/11
A Beenleigh real estate company and the principal licensee have been fined $25,000 in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court for unauthorised withdrawals from a trust account.
Gold Coast real estate company fined $100,000 - 04/11/11
A Gold Coast real estate company has been convicted and fined $100,000 in the Southport Magistrates Court today for unauthorised withdrawals from a trust account.
October 2011
Bitumen bandits spotted in Rosewood - 26/10/11
Rosewood residents are being warned to be on the lookout for itinerant traders after a number of bitumen bandits were spotted operating in the area.
Don´t be a jackass! - 25/10/11
Office Fair Trading product safety expert, Dave Strachan, today urged home mechanics not to be jackasses ahead of a nationwide do-it-yourself safety campaign.
Bunk bed safety priority for Kidsafe Day - 24/10/11
The Office of Fair Trading is using Kidsafe Day (Tues 25 Oct) to remind Queenslanders of the potential dangers of unsafe bunk beds.
Bitumen bandits on the prowl in south-east Queensland - 20/10/11
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning residents in south-east Queensland, particularly those living on acreage, to be aware of itinerant traders selling cheap "leftover" driveway bitumen.
Gold Coast man fined for odometer tampering - 19/10/11
A Burleigh Heads man has been convicted and fined $4000 for misrepresenting the mileage on a used car.
September 2011
Seniors urged to be scam savvy - 30/09/11
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading is reminding seniors to be wary of random phone calls, emails or letters they may receive requesting money or personal details as many of these are simply a scam.
Public warning on Ticketfinders - 29/09/11
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning Queenslanders against dealing with businesses owned or operated by Thomas Gilmartin, director of Sydney based companies Sion Events Pty Ltd, trading as Ticketfinders.com.au, and TPTG Holdings Pty Ltd.
Gold Coast business owner fined - 28/09/11
A Burleigh Heads man who sold advertising on promotional coasters to local businesses has been fined more than $10,000 for accepting payment without intending to supply goods or services.
Parents reminded to use baby slings correctly - 26/09/11
Parents and caregivers are reminded to use baby slings in accordance with the product´s instructions following the heartbreaking death of a newborn in South Australia recently.
TVs and furniture top consumer complaints for Brisbane - 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions and furniture have topped the list of complaints by Brisbane consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
TVs and furniture top consumer complaints on Darling Downs - 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions and furniture have topped the list of complaints by Toowoomba consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
TVs and furniture top consumer complaints on Gold Coast - 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions, washing machines and furniture have topped the list of complaints by Gold Coast consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
TVs and washing machines top consumer complaints on Sunshine Coast - 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions and washing machines have topped the list of complaints by Sunshine Coast consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
Personal and household goods top Wide Bay consumer complaints- 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions and washing machines have topped the list of complaints by Wide Bay residents to the Office of Fair Trading.
Consumer credit providers top Cairns consumer complaints- 25/09/11
Consumer credit providers have topped the list of complaints by Cairns residents to the Office of Fair Trading.
Televisions and furniture top complaints by Rockhampton consumers - 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions and furniture have topped the list of complaints by Rockhampton consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
Televisions and furniture top Mackay consumer complaints - 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions and furniture have topped the list of complaints by Mackay consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
TVs and washing machines top complaints by Townsville consumers- 25/09/11
Personal and household goods such as televisions, washing machines and furniture have topped the list of complaints by Townsville consumers to the Office of Fair Trading.
Scams top Queensland consumer complaints - 22/09/11
Scams have topped the list of complaints to Queensland´s Office of Fair Trading, drawing almost 4000 complaints last financial year.
New smart phone app for wiser consumers - 22/09/11
A new smart phone application for consumer rights is about to make being a savvy shopper in Queensland a whole lot easier.
Brisbane solar company and director fined $60,000 - 16/09/11
A Brisbane-based solar panel supplier and its director have been convicted and fined $60,000 for contract breaches, including failing to give customers a cooling-off period.
Fatality in WA steers towards raising awareness of snatch strap safety - 14/09/11
A recent tragedy in Western Australia involving a vehicle recovery strap highlights the hidden dangers when using these products and the Office of Fair Trading is urging consumers to take note of the possible risks.
Licence a must for installation and maintenance of security equipment - 12/09/11
Queensland´s Office of Fair Trading has reminded electricians and cablers who install security equipment that they must hold a special licence.
Simpler regulations proposed for duplex owners - 12/09/11
Queensland duplex owners are encouraged to have their say on proposed draft regulations aimed at simplifying the day-to-management of their properties.
Invest time to research Rent to Buy schemes - 12/09/11
Eager home buyers opting to enter a Rent to Buy scheme should be vigilant about doing their homework first to avoid losing out on the great Australian dream, the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) warned today.
Unregistered car salesman fined $3500 - 08/09/11
A Logan City man who sold motor vehicles from his home address and petrol stations while not registered as a salesperson has been fined $3500.
August 2011
Kitchen duo ordered to pay $160,000 in fines and compensation 31/08/11
Two Queensland company directors, who defrauded customers of almost $100,000 in deposits for kitchens they failed to deliver, have been ordered to pay $160,000 in fines and compensation.
Consumers warned to hang up on tax scam - 24/08/11
Consumers are being warned not to fall victim to an elaborate telephone tax scam currently in operation across Queensland.
Search warrants executed on alleged loan shark - 15/08/11
Investigators from the Office of Fair Trading and the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) have raided two properties in Cairns as part of an investigation into loan sharking operations in the area.
Don't compromise your safety with DIY renovations - 08/08/11
Do-it-yourself renovation shows have ignited the creative flair amongst budding new handymen and women but consumers should not overlook important safety measures, the Office of Fair Trading has warned.
Brisbane trailer manufacturer fined for lying - 01/08/11
A Brisbane trailer manufacturer has been fined by the Holland Park Magistrates Court for misrepresentation after it was found that one of its trailers was under-engineered to the point it couldn´t safely hold its own weight.
July 2011
Queenslanders warned as telephone scam targets vulnerable - 28/07/11
Queenslanders are urged to be on guard against a telephone scam which almost conned an elderly woman into transferring her hard-earned savings to an overseas account.
Road show to help central-west residents brush up on consumer rights - 22/07/11
Central-west Queenslanders can have all their consumer questions answered when an Office of Fair Trading road show visits the region next week (July 25-27).
Mackay residents to be aware of itinerant roof painters - 14/07/11
Mackay and Sarina residents are urged to be on the lookout for itinerant roof painters offering their services through door-to-door selling.
Car con man and co. fined $169,250 - 08/07/11
Queensland car buyers will be safer on the roads after a Gold Coast man and his auto repair company were fined and convicted of misrepresenting the mileage on used cars in the Southport Magistrates Court yesterday (7 July).
Bitumen bandits spotted in Cairns - 05/07/11
Cairns residents are being warned to be on the lookout for itinerant traders after a number were spotted operating in the area.
Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley residents are urged to be on their guard against car boot sellers plying their illicit trade in the local area.
June 2011
Job hunters urged to be aware of mining work scam - 30/6/11
Job seekers are urged to be aware of a mining work scam where fake job advertisements are being posted on a number of employment websites.
Car boot sellers plying their unscrupulous trade in Mackay - 30/06/11
Residents in Mackay, Airlie Beach, Cannonvale and Proserpine are being warned to be vigilant about car boot sellers plying their trade in the local area.
Research the key to getting the most from solar - 24/06/11
The Office of Fair Trading is on alert for unethical solar power installers in the lead up to the 1 July reduction in the federal government rebate.
Child safety guidance given at Expo - 23/06/11
Queensland mums and dads will have the chance to learn about baby products and child safety issues at this weekend´s Brisbane Pregnancy Babies and Children´s Expo (24-26 June 2011).
Bitumen bandits spotted in the Sunshine Coast - 17/06/11
Sunshine Coast residents are being warned to be on the look out for itinerant traders after they were spotted operating in the area.
Bitumen bandits spotted in Hervey Bay - 16/06/11
Hervey Bay residents are being warned to be on the look out for itinerant traders after they were spotted operating in the area.
Bitumen bandits spotted in Rockhampton - 16/06/11
Rockhampton residents are being warned to be on the look out for itinerant traders after they werespotted operating in the area.
Consumer rights information now available in 31 languages - 16/06/11
Consumers from non-English speaking backgrounds will now be able to access the same consumer rights information as their English-speaking neighbours with the translation of key rights information into 30 community languages.
New signage makes it easier to know your rights for refunds and returns - 16/06/11
New Office of Fair Trading endorsed point-of-sale signs will give consumers clear information about their rights to refunds and replacements.
Consumer alert: Solar Powered Products - 10/06/11
The Office of Fair Trading is warning consumers against dealing with solar panel company Energy Saving Products Pty Ltd trading as Solar Powered Products, one of its directors Julie Ann Jones and her husband and business associated Stephen John Jones (AKA Stephen Williams and Pastor Steve).
Mt Isa security provider fined $10 000 - 10/6/11
A security provider was fined $10 000 in the Mt Isa Magistrates court this week (7 June) forengaging unlicensed crowd control staff at two local hotels.
Insulation company director fined $28,000 - 01/06/11
The sole director of an insulation company has been fined $28,000 for breaching door-to-door sales provisions under the Fair Trading Act 1989.
May 2011
Group buying - do your homework first - 23/05/11
Consumers looking to grab a ´bargain´ through group buying websites are urged to do their homework to ensure they are not left with a purchase that isn´t all it promises.
Accurate advertisements a key to hassle free buying - 19/05/11
The Office of Fair Trading is urging both businesses and consumers to check the detail in advertisements to ensure a smooth buying experience for all parties.
David Rhodes chain letter scam - 19/05/11
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning Queenslanders not to be enticed by the "David Rhodes" chain letter scam.
Bitumen bandits spotted in Ipswich - 13/05/11
Ipswich residents are being warned to be on the look out for itinerant traders after a number were spotted operating in the area.
April 2011
Be bunk bed smart this Easter - 21/04/11
Queensland parents are being reminded about the potential dangers of bunk beds and the injuries that can be caused to children.
Consumer alert: Global Home Solutions - 19/04/11
The Office of Fair Trading is warning consumers against dealing with steel kit home company Global Home Solutions, its director Jessica Hannah Wilson and her associate Mathew Bradley Willaims.
Take care when using motor vehicle recovery straps - 15/04/11
The Office of Fair Trading is reminding Queensland consumers about the potential dangers of "recovery´´ straps that are used to free bogged or immobilised vehicles.
Door-to-door tree-lopper ordered to pay $19 800 in fine and compensation - 14/04/11
A door-to-door trader offering a tree-lopping service was convicted and fined $2 000 in the Sandgate Magistrates Court on 14 April and ordered to pay $17 802 in compensation to three consumers.
Be vigilant about your holiday rental property´s management - 14/04/11
With Easter fast approaching, a recent court action is a timely reminder for owners of holiday rental apartments to be vigilant about the conduct of those managing their property.
Industry guide aims to protect Queensland kids from injuries - 13/04/11
An Australian Standards handbook for bunk bed safety is now available to the holiday accommodation industry.
Warning on fake tongue studs following near death of American teen - 08/04/11
The Office of Fair Trading is warning consumers to steer clear of magnetic tongue studs following the near death of a teen in the United States.
Youth urged to take care online - 08/04/11
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is urging young Queenslanders to protect their personal information when surfing the net.
Residents warned about itinerant bitumen layers - 08/04/11
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning residents of the Darling Downs, Lockyer Valley and Ipswich areas to be wary of door-to-door traders, particularly those offering to seal driveways.
March 2011
Unlicensed Gold Coast real estate agent fined $7 000 - 28/03/11
A Gold Coast real estate agent was fined $7 000 in the Southport Magistrates Court on 25 March after pleading guilty to 23 breaches of the Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000.
Gladstone man fined $3000 for unlicensed motor dealing - 18/03/11
A Gladstone man was fined $3000 in the Gladstone Magistrates Court on 16 March after pleading guilty to a charge of unlicensed motor dealing.
Operation Turner strikes again - unlicensed motor dealer fined $30 000 - 17/03/11
A Blacksoil man was convicted and fined $30 000 in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on 14 March for unlicensed motor dealing, unlicensed second-hand dealing and failure to register a business name.
Students should do homework before booking Schoolies accommodation - 15/03/11
Some students finishing school at the end of 2011 already are planning their end of year Schoolies celebrations.
Bogus abused kids´ charity fined $120 000 - 14/03/11
Gold Coast man Darren John Carver and his company were fined $120 000 in the Southport Magistrates Court today (14 March, 2011) for collecting money for a fake charity.
Door-to-door landscaper fined $10 000 - 14/03/11
A Gold Coast landscaper was fined $10 000 in the Southport Magistrates Court on 11 March after being found guilty of five breaches of the door-to-door sales provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1989.
$5 000 fine for employing unlicensed crowd controller - 14/03/11
A Sunshine Coast night club licensee was fined $5 000 in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on 10 March for employing an unlicensed crowd controller.
Unlicensed Gold Coast security officer fined $2 500 - 14/03/11
A man was convicted and fined $2 500 in the Southport Magistrates Court on 10 March for working as a security officer while unlicensed.
Coomera travel agent fined $15 300 - 07/03/11
A Coomera travel agent has been fined $15 300 after being found guilty on charges of operating while unlicenced, false representation and having an unregistered business name.
Itinerant bitumen layers fined $2 600 each - 07/03/11
Four itinerant bitumen layers were fined $2 600 each in the Southport Magistrates Court on 4 March after being convicted of failing to supply information to the Office of Fair Trading.
Rent a car operator agrees to pay $35 000 in compensation to consumers - 02/03/11
The operator of Abel Rent A Car in Queensland has agreed to pay $35 000 in compensation to consumers who claim they were ripped off by the company.
February 2011
New licensing rules for security firms - 24/02/11
All security firms in Queensland are required to be members of an approved industry association under new licensing arrangements taking effect from today (24 February 2011).
January 2011
Companies named for duping customers - 31/01/11
The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is warning consumers to steer clear of the Columbus Sales Group Pty Ltd, Aqua Conscious Pty Ltd, and company representative Christopher Bruce Smith.
the potential dangers of unsafe bunk beds.Don´t be a jackass!Bitumen bandits spotted in Rosewood
Bitumen bandits spotted in Rosewood - 26/10/11
Rosewood residents are being warned to be on the lookout for itinerant traders after a number of bitumen bandits were spotted operating in the area.
Last reviewed 10/05/2012 |
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