MS GRACE ASKED THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND FAIR TRADING (MR LAWLOR) —
QUESTION:
Will the Minister outline for my constituents what work the Office of Fair Trading is undertaking to protect seniors in my electorate from scams and dodgy traders?
ANSWER:
The Bligh government is committed to informing Queenslanders, including those in the Brisbane Central electorate, about any scams or dodgy traders targeting them.
The Office of Fair Trading issues regular consumer warnings when scams emerge, or dodgy traders are reported in areas across the state, and it encourages Queenslanders to lodge a complaint when they feel they have been misled.
Many resources are available to Queenslanders to help them avoid scams. The Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au offers tips on how consumers can protect themselves and lists common scams to be on the lookout for. I would encourage your constituents to download a copy of the ‘BuySmart’ booklet from the Fair Trading website or by calling 13 13 04. It not only gives tips on avoiding scams, but also provides other important consumer advice. The ‘RetireSmart’ booklet is also available, and includes information on retirement village living. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scam Watch website at www.scamwatch.gov.au is also a great resource.
Some of the scams that your constituents, in particular seniors, should be aware of include lottery scams, miracle cures, investment and superannuation scams, and the various ‘Nigerian’ scams.
Seniors can also be a target for itinerant traders who offer handyman services such as roofing, bitumen driveway laying or painting. These traders often pressure people into paying up-front for work they don’t need, then overcharge on the work and do a below standard job.
A door-to-door trader must provide a 10-day cooling-off period on any contract worth more than $75. The contract can be cancelled, in writing, at any time during this period. If the contract is worth more than $75, the trader cannot take any money from the consumer (including deposits), start work, or provide goods or services within the 10-day cooling-off period.
The simplest piece of advice I can offer your constituents, and indeed all Queenslanders, is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
