Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said a Leichhardt man who sells hair loss treatments had been convicted of misleading the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal (CTTT).

Samuel Faraj Cohen, the Managing Director of the Institute of Hair Regrowth and Beauty Pty Ltd, was recently found guilty in Parramatta Local Court, of lying to the CTTT about his qualifications. He was ordered to pay nearly $1,000.

Samuel Cohen appeared before the Tribunal to defend an action brought by a consumer who was seeking a refund regarding a hair restoration program.

During the proceedings before the CTTT, Mr Cohen was asked about his qualifications. He claimed he had a Bachelor of Science degree.

Mr Stowe said as a result of a consumer’s complaint to Fair Trading, investigators interviewed Mr Cohen to establish if he had a Bachelor of Science degree.

“During the course of the Fair Trading investigation it became evident Mr Cohen had not been awarded a Bachelor of Science degree,” he said.

“He even provided misleading documents in relation to his academic progress, in an attempt to support his claim and cover his tracks.

“Mr Cohen knowingly and deliberately misled the Tribunal.

“His actions are reprehensible and can not be defended.”

Mr Stowe said consumers have a right to expect traders act with honesty and integrity.

“This outcome serves as a reminder to traders that dishonest behaviour will catch up with them,” he said.

“Fair Trading will not hesitate in taking similar action against any trader caught deceiving the public.”

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