Melbourne Magistrates’ Court has ordered that Antonios (Tony) Giannakos, trading as Champion Caravans, stop accepting any deposits or payments for caravans or camper vans prior to delivery.
Giannakos received $39,600 from a consumer for a custom-built caravan, but failed to provide it or refund the money.
On 28 May, the court made final orders that Giannakos, his employees or anyone acting on his behalf, be restrained from:
- accepting deposits for the purchase, supply or manufacture of caravans (including campervans or similar vehicles)
- accepting payment or other consideration for the supply of or manufacture of caravans (including campervans or similar vehicles, and any parts or accessories) before delivering them to the buyer
- selling or negotiating the sale or disposal of any caravan on behalf of someone else
- accepting any deposit or payment for the sale or manufacture of any caravan, or for fitting an accessory or part to such a vehicle on behalf of anyone else.
The orders apply until 1 June 2018.
The court also ordered Giannakos to prominently display a public notice detailing the court’s decision:
- in all customer service areas of his business premises
- on his company's website(s).
The court ordered Giannakos to pay $3139 costs.
In January 2013, the Acting Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria issued a public warning to consumers and businesses about the conduct of Champion Caravans and Mr Giannakos. View our Tony Giannakos and Champion Caravans – Public warning.
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