NSW Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin today warned the public not to deal with two companies and one individual involved in marketing water tanks throughout NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

Mr Griffin said the warning related to Columbus Sales Group Pty Ltd, Aqua Conscious Pty Ltd and Christopher Bruce Smith of Columbus Sales Group Pty Ltd.

“Fair Trading has received more than 90 complaints from consumers who have bought water tanks or paid deposits and where the tanks have not been supplied by these companies,” he said.

‘‘The companies do not have a dispute resolution process in place for handling complaints or enquiries.’’

‘‘The companies and Mr Smith have not been able to demonstrate to Fair Trading that they have the capacity to fulfil orders.’’

‘‘The companies and Mr Smith have continued to take new orders without the capacity to fulfil existing orders.’’

Mr Griffin said advertisements had been placed in a number of newspapers and company representatives had attended agricultural shows marketing the water tanks.

Mr Griffin said the websites for the companies were not active and consumers were unable to contact the companies via telephone or email.

“Consumers who have been affected should contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20, visit the Fair Trading website or any Fair Trading Centre,” he said.

“Consumers who have made payments via credit card should contact their bank to request a charge back.”

The public warning has been issued under Section 86A of the Fair Trading Act 1987.

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