Published Wednesday, 07 January, 2009 at 03:00 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister Assisting the Premier in Western Queensland
The Honourable Kerry Shine
Complaints and queries to Office of Fair Trading top 100,000 in 2008
Personal and household goods, gambling schemes, telecommunications services and travel agents have featured heavily in the tally of complaints received in relation to individual industries.
Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice John Mickel said the Office of Fair Trading had received more than 108,000 consumer complaints and queries during 2008.
“Anyone who thinks they may have been ripped off or treated unfairly while making a purchase should raise the issue with the trader and if this is unsuccessful, the Office of Fair Trading and its investigators are there to help.
“Fair Trading staff may be able to negotiate a refund or a satisfactory outcome for people who have a legitimate case and I’d urge all Queenslanders to take advantage of that,” Mr Mickel said.
The top 10 most complained about products in 2008 were:
1. Residential property management 493
2. Faulty motor vehicles 332
3. Residential property sales 325
4. Motor vehicle sales 318
5. Gift and discount vouchers 287
6. Deposit and investment services 260
7. Maintenance and repair of motor vehicles 249
8 .Unlicensed lotteries 236
9. Rainwater tanks 225
10. Personal computers and laptops 174
The top 10 most complained about industries in 2008 were:
1. Personal and household goods 2763
2. Gambling schemes and scams 1245
3. Real estate agents 1023
4. Personal and household services 925
5. Motor vehicle sales 690
6. Motor vehicle service, repairs and parts 409
7. Business services 354
8. Accommodation, hotels and motels 316
9. Telecommunications 314
10. Travel agents 285
Consumers can contact the Officer of Fair Trading by telephoning 131304 or can download a complaint form from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Taylor 0419 710 874