Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 4 May 2005

Dodgy limestone dealers a consumer danger

The Consumer Protection Commissioner has today issued a community alert and public naming, warning consumers not to deal with East Fremantle limestone business Limestone Quarry Sales of Preston Point Road.

Serious complaints against now deregistered company Cherrycoast Enterprises Pty Ltd and its Directors Mr Francesco Mignacca and Ms Vincenzina Mignacca (aka Vincenzina Gangemi) all involve consumers handing over money for materials never received or poor quality substitutes.

Reported consumer losses stand at over $12,000 so far and involve other companies that Mr Mignacca is involved in, Lizada Pty Ltd and Fanton Pty Ltd

“Mr Mignacca has a string of complaints to his name dating back a number of years and involving numerous companies”, Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

Current complaints relate to advertisements saying ‘Limestone Quarry Sale’ that have appeared in the Quokka, the West Australian and the Sunday Times newspapers recently with a residential telephone number shown as the contact.

“Apart from goods not arriving or being below the agreed quality, consumers have been told that payment in full is required so manufacturing can begin.

“We always view requests for large payments up front as risky, even if the hook is to get that illusive ‘good deal’ and strongly suggest that consumers never pay more than 10% up front”, Mr Walker said.

Repeated attempts by consumers and Investigators to contact the traders have been unsuccessful.

Consumers with outstanding issues concerning Limestone Quarry Sales need to contact Consumer Protection immediately for assistance on telephone 1300 30 40 54.

Consumer Protection’s investigations are continuing.