Fair Trading warns on digital TV scheme
Posted by editor (editor) on Aug 22 2009
2009 >>

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor has warned Brisbane consumers to be on guard against door-to-door traders selling digital television set top boxes.

Minister Lawlor said traders were targeting elderly consumers in the Mt Gravatt and Zillmere areas and informing them they would have to purchase a digital set top box as the current analogue network will be switched off in January 2010.

“Consumers are being told they need to purchase a $199 set top box immediately with a cash or direct debit payment or they will soon be without a television signal,” Mr Lawlor said.

“In addition to breaching strict door-to-door legislation, this is simply a misrepresentation of the situation.

“Although some states will begin to have their analogue television signals turned off from next year, no Queensland area will lose connection until July 2011 at the earliest.”

Queenslanders can visit www.digitalready.gov.au or call 1800 20 10 13 to check exactly when their region will lose analogue connection.

Mr Lawlor said there are strict laws in place to protect consumers who are approached by door-to-door traders.

“It is important for consumers to be aware that when they buy anything worth more than $75 from a door-to-door trader, there is an automatic 10 day cooling off period during which traders cannot accept payment, including deposits, or commence work on any labouring services they might offer,” Mr Lawlor said.

"Don't rush into any purchases, even if the trader says the offer is only available for a limited time. Take your time and shop around.

"If you don't want to purchase from a door-to-door seller, inform them firmly that you are not interested."

Mr Lawlor said these laws are intended to protect Queenslanders against intimidating tactics and unsolicited approaches employed by some roving door-to-door tradespeople.

Under the Fair Trading Act 1989, door-to-door salespeople must:

• produce an identity card with the dealer's full name and address
• only contact customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited
• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price with the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75

"Traders caught breaching the Act face fines of up to $54,000 for individuals and $270,000 for companies," Mr Lawlor said.

Consumers who are approached by the digital set top box traders are encouraged to call the Office of Fair Trading hotline on 3115 1783.

Further information about door-to-door traders and consumer rights is available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

Last changed: Oct 06 2009 at 4:19 PM