Sunshine Coast-based company placed into liquidation
Posted by editor (editor) on Jul 07 2009
2009 >>

The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) was today informed that Sunshine Coast-based company Poort Holdings Pty Ltd, trading as Paper Poort, had been placed into liquidation.

Liquidation Direct has been appointed as the liquidators; creditors can contact Liquidation Direct on 02-82435200.

OFT has received several complaints from Paper Poort customers during the past few weeks and investigations will continue into these complaints.

Paper Poort sold advertising space on recycled paper shopping bags but complaints were raised when it failed to deliver.

OFT has received 10 separate complaints from customers who together would have lost thousands of dollars.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said it was important that consumers knew their rights when companies closed their doors.

“The Office of Fair Trading does not have the legislative power to assist in getting your money back if a company has become insolvent,” Mr Lawlor said.

“However, it can investigate if the business has acted illegally.

“It is illegal for a business to accept payment from a consumer for a product or service if the business has no intention to supply the goods or services.

“If you believe a business you have been dealing with has acted illegally, you can lodge a complaint online at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

“There are other avenues to follow if a business you have been dealing with goes bankrupt, becomes insolvent or closes down, and you have paid for a product or service and not received it.

“If you paid for a product or service by credit card you should contact your financial institution to see if you can obtain a reversal of funds. Your bank can also assist you to cancel future payments if you have a direct debit arrangement.

“Unfortunately your bank will not be able to help if you have paid by cash.
“You may also contact Australia Post if you paid by Money Order, as they may be able to cancel the order.

“In some situations consumers may also need to consider obtaining independent legal advice to establish options for recovering money owed.”

Some ways to prevent financial loss in the event of a company closure include:

- paying a small deposit for the goods rather than the full amount upfront
- paying for the goods on delivery
- paying for the goods by credit card, as you may be able to obtain a reversal of funds through your financial institution.

For more information on consumer rights, download a free copy of How to be Consumerwise from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 13 04.

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 3:37 PM