Elderly warned about salespeople
South Gippslanders are being warned about door-to-door salespeople in the area.
Chris Childs from Consumer Affairs Victoria spoke to the members of Gippsland Southern Health’s Planned Activity Group in Korumburra recently.
“There have been a few groups of people going around trying to sell elderly people their product,” she told the group.
“They mention that the ‘government’ have said your energy bill is too high and you should change companies.
“You have every right to tell them to go away.”
Ms Childs told the group the salespeople will try every trick in the book to get into a person’s house.
“They say things like ‘I’ve got all this paperwork to show you how you could save’ and ‘It’s really hot out here. Can I just grab a glass of water?’,” She said.
“You would be surprised what lengths they go to.”
There are many laws door-to-door salesmen have to abide by when selling their product.
“Once you tell them to leave, they have to leave,” Ms Childs said.
“If they don’t they are breaking the law and you should call the police.”
Other things you need to remember include:
- You have up to 10 business days to cool off (change your mind) about an agreement;
- Salespeople must have identification and must immediately leave your premises when you ask them to;
- If a door-to-door salesperson asks to see your energy bill, you do not have to provide it;
- The government does not own any energy service providers – claims by salespeople that they represent the government are misleading;
- If you don’t want to be contacted by phone salespeople, register on the Australian Government’s Do Not Call Register at donotcall.gov.au or by calling 1400 792 958; and
- You also have the option of ordering a do not knock sticker from donotknock.org.au if you want to deter door-to-door salespeople.
Ms Childs also warned about telemarketers and being wary of other scams in the form of letters and emails.
A Consumer Affairs representative is available by appointment at the Korumburra Court House two days a week on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Appointments can be made by contacting 5116 5701.
Photo: back from left: Chris Childs from Consumer Affairs Victoria, Toni Williams from GSHS, and Planned Activity Group Co-ordinator Brendan Kellow showed Joan Cole, Doris Hastie and Ruby Shearman how to deal with door-to-door salespeople. Photo courtesy The Star newspaper
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