Tank pranks probed

By Kath Gannaway
NSW Fair Trading issued a warning to the public on 28 January not to deal with Aqua Conscious Pty. Ltd., Columbus Sales Group Pty. Ltd. Or Christopher Bruce Smith of Columbus.
The company promised a free television and DVD with tank orders.
NSW Fair Trading deputy commissioner Steve Griffin said they had received more than 90 complaints from consumers who had bought tanks or paid a deposit and had not received the goods.
He said the company had not been able to demonstrate to Fair Trading that they were able to fulfil orders.
Last week a spokeswoman for NSW Fair Trading confirmed they had started an investigation and added that early indications pointed to the matter being a scam.
She indicated that around $600,000 had been received for tanks that had not been delivered.
A Healesville resident told the Mail she and her husband paid around $4000 for two tanks after seeing the advertisement in the Mail.
She said they had been enticed by the offer of the television and DVD but became alarmed when they had not received the tanks and, despite repeated attempts, were unable to contact the company on the phone numbers provided.
Consumer Affairs Victoria had supported the NSW Fair Trading warning saying that although they had only received a small number of calls or complaints about the companies, Victorians should “take care” when dealing with them.
Both the NSW and Victorian consumer watchdogs are advising people who have used a credit card to pay for tanks they have not received to contact their credit card company to see if they are eligible for a charge back.
Anyone who has a complaint about Columbus or Aqua Conscious can contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 and NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20.