Unregistered sales representative fined by Consumer Protection

3 February 2025

"Consumer Protection has fined a former real estate representative for working without registration and submitting forged documents."

Consumer Protection has fined a former real estate representative for working without registration and submitting forged documents.

Highlighting the importance of up-to-date certifications and Consumer Protection’s commitment to a licensed, competent and compliant industry, an unregistered Perth sales representative was fined $10,500 plus court costs after being convicted of three breaches of the Real Estate and Business Agents Act 1978 (WA).

The court heard the defendant – who has a criminal record that includes convictions for fraud and stealing – continued working for nearly six months after their registration expired in October 2022.

The defendant – who had previously worked as a registered sales representative – applied for a property manager position requiring sales representative certification. After failing to provide a valid registration number to her new employer, she submitted a forged certificate bearing the signature of a former Consumer Protection Commissioner.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the defendant would have known her actions were illegal.

“Our licensing system safeguards tenants and landlords by guaranteeing only competent and qualified professionals work in the Western Australian real estate industry,” she said.

“Tenants, landlords and real estate agencies can find out whether the real estate agents and sales representatives they are engaging with are licensed by using Consumer Protection’s online licence search.”

More information on the obligations of real estate agents, sales representatives and property managers is available on the Consumer Protection website or enquiries can be made by email [email protected] or by calling 1300 30 40 54.


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