Issue Date:  -  Monday, 12 July 2004

Business names online

Consumers Can Check Up On Businesses From Home

Save time and resources by logging onto Consumer Protection’s newest online service when you need to know who is behind a business registered in Western Australian.

From today, Business Names Online at www.docep.wa.gov.au/businessnames  will provide consumers, traders and professional bodies with easier access to the WA Business Names Register.

Rather than obtaining information in person, through an information broker or via conventional mail, customers can now obtain an extract of the Register from their office or home computer.

“This is a great advance for our customers, as with more than 95,000 business names transactions last year alone, it became obvious to us that online access was a natural progression to upgrade the community’s access to this information”, Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

“Business name information or ‘extracts’ have always been available however people often need the information urgently or are not able to travel to a Consumer Protection office.

“Empowering consumers through education and information is a priority of this department as well informed consumers are less likely to become victims of scams or rogue traders, benefiting both consumers and regulators alike”, Mr Walker said.

The cost of obtaining a business names extract online is $10, the same as the traditional methods, which will remain available.

Businesses will also be able to use the new system to renew and update their details at the time of their renewal.

Further information about Business Names Online is available by telephoning Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 14 for the cost of a local call state-wide.