Free showerhead ploy to sell solar panels

A telemarketing business and solar panel company are suspected of misleading West Australians by claiming to promote a water-saving initiative, Consumer Protection warns.

Telemarketers have allegedly cold-called people claiming they are part of the Water Corporation's free showerhead swap program and when representatives visit the home of an interested customer, a solar panel system is also offered.

Consumer Protection acting commissioner David Hillyard said it seemed to be a ploy to get a foot in the door.

"Giving consumers the impression that you are part of a Water Corporation program when you are not is misleading and contravenes the Australian Consumer Law," he said.

Water Corporation spokeswoman Clare Lugar said the free showerhead swap program, which was run periodically in Perth, had recently ended but was still available in some regional areas.

"At no time have any of our showerhead swap programs been associated with solar panels," she said.

More than 30 concerned customers had contacted the Water Corporation in the past three months, she added.