ON STREET SALES COST CAR DEALER $2,500

The practice of locating vehicles that are for sale on public streets has cost Fyshwick dealer ACT Motor Traders $2,500 and a conviction as a result of proceedings by the ACT Office of Regulatory Services (ORS) in the Magistrates Court.

In welcoming the Magistrates Court decision the Commissioner for Fair Trading, Mr Brett Phillips said, “The decision of the Magistrates Court should send a very clear message to ACT Motor Traders and a number of other motor vehicle dealers in Fyshwick and Phillip.”

“The Sale of Motor Vehicles Act clearly states that dealers cannot display vehicles for sale outside the areas approved on their licence.”

“The Office of Regulatory Services pays very close attention to this requirement for three reasons.”

“The first reason is public safety. Vehicles parked in unapproved areas may affect the visibility of other road users and cause traffic problems and possibly lead to accidents for drivers and pedestrians.”

“The second reason is that cars that are for sale may be parked for long periods in parking places designed to enable consumer access and trade with a number of businesses. It is totally unacceptable for a single trader to adversely affect other traders by their unlawful activity.”

“And finally, motor vehicle dealers who display vehicles outside their area show disregard and disrespect to their competitors who trade legally. They are trying to carry stock in excess of levels that can be properly displayed in their licensed and approved area, and this clearly disadvantages a dealer that limits their stock because of the requirements to display vehicles within the area approved on their licence.”

“ACT Motor Traders has repeatedly broken the law in this area. Despite numerous formal and informal warnings, as well as the issuing of infringement notices totalling $1,000, ACT Motor Traders has continued to flout the law.”

“I hope this severe penalty will make ACT Motor Traders and other offending motor vehicle dealers appreciate that unlawful trade will be a very expensive exercise for the licensee, and by way of additional warning – the law allows even higher penalties to be imposed."

REMINDER FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLE SERVICE & REPAIR INDUSTRY

Commissioner for Fair Trading, Brett Phillips, is reminding businesses and individual operators in the motor vehicle service and repair industry to renew their registration before the 30 September deadline.

Renewal notices have been sent to businesses that are currently registered and telephone contact is being made with the small number of repairers who are not registered.

"After the closure of the renewal period, a rigorous compliance program will then follow and inspectors from the Office of Regulatory Services will pursue outstanding registrations.

"The regulation of the motor vehicle service and repair industry ensures that businesses and employers are meeting their obligations under the Motor Vehicle Service and Repair Industry Code of Practice.

"A number of court cases in the past two years have verified the requirement for registration.

Proprietors are also reminded that they must advise the Office of Regulatory Services of any changes to their circumstances such as the number of premises or trading name or if they have ceased trading in the ACT.

Enquiries about registration in the Motor Vehicle Vehicle and Repair Industry should be directed to 6207 0562.

PHISHING FOR IDENTITY The recent hoax email claiming to originate from the Office of Fair Trading has again highlighted the need for all consumers to protect themselves against identity theft.

The process of extracting personal details from people by email is called phishing - similar to a fishing expedition where bait is thrown out in the hope that a fish will bite - the aim of phishing is to get poeple to 'bite' and provide credit card details, PINs and passwords to a stranger. Consumers should be aware that legitimate businesses never ask for these types of details over the phone or by email.

These legitimate looking emails appear to come from well known and trustworthy businesses such as banks, credit unions, financial institutions and other companies. By using an ACT Government web address, it is clear that phishing is becoming more sophisticated and daring.

Unfortunately, identity fraud is on the increase in all corners of the world and it is imperative that people are aware of the ways in which this can occur and, more importantly, how to protect themselves. Keep in mind these tips to prevent identity theft:

• only give out your personal details and information if it is absolutely necessary and if you have initiated the contact and trust the other party
• do not open suspicious or unsolicited emails - delete them immediately
• never click on a link or open an attachment in a suspicious email
• don't put papers containing personal information in the bin - instead, cut up, burn or shred old bills, account statements or expired cards.

Scammers want you to send them money or provide your personal details so they can access your money or use those details in a fraudulent manner. Don't let them.

Visit the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's website www.accc.gov.au or call the Infocentre on 1300 302 502 for detailed information about scams, including further ways to protect your identity, your computer, your money and your phone. The Little Black Book of Scams, a consumer's guide to scams, rorts and rip-offs is also available in electronic or printed versions.