Balga man fined for backyard car dealership A MAN caught operating an illegal car dealership from his Balga home has been fined $2500. Clinton Bradley Oreb was charged by Consumer Protection for buying and selling 17 vehicles between June 2011 and March 2012 without a licence. He was convicted last Friday in the Perth Magistrates Court after being found to be in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, fined $2500 and ordered to pay costs of $925. Oreb advertised the vehicles in the Quokka newspaper and operated his illegal car dealing business from home. Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said car buyers should not be doing business with illegal backyard operators. "The licensing system ensures that only fit and proper people are permitted to work in the motor vehicle industry and those who operate outside of the licensing system escape that scrutiny," Ms Driscoll said. Backyard car dealers undermine industry standards and threaten consumer rights such as those covering warranties. Unlicensed operators should be reported to Consumer Protection so that immediate action can be taken to close down this illegal activity. Consumers can check whether a car dealer is licensed by doing a search on the Consumer Protection website. Unlicensed car dealers can be reported by calling 1300 30 40 54 or by emailing consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au.