The Office of Fair Trading (OFR) has launched a new campaign highlighting the dangers to consumers of dodgy online advertising, unlicensed motor dealers, unregistered charities, and unsafe products.
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman said the campaign was aimed at delivering better services for all Queenslanders.
“The OFT’s Proactive Regulation of Industry and Marketplace Entities program involves compliance checks in key industries as well as educating business owners,” Ms Fentiman said.
“The OFT is cracking down on dodgy practices in a range of service sectors, as well as ensuring compliance, such as with new safety requirements for button batteries or funeral pricing laws.”
She said there would be a particular focus on unlicensed motor dealers, the licensing and behaviour of security guards, and illegal tactics used by some real estate agents.
“Conducting spot checks on businesses using illegal bait advertising techniques, particularly in the removalist services industry and online retailers, will also be a priority,” Ms Fentiman said.
“A recent OFT proactive operation saw compliance spot checks undertaken on 44 tattooists, with 22 subsequently being referred for investigation for possible breaches of legislation after being flagged by this program.”
She said in another operation, targeting second-hand dealers, 18 dealers were identified for potential breaches, with 15 subsequently referred for investigation.
During 2021-22 the OFT conducted 2,654 proactive compliance checks: From these 256 were referred for investigation. This resulted in 21 infringements, 105 official warnings and 35 compliance advice letters.
