Seniors in our community are increasingly becoming victims of scams and are seen as soft targets by dodgy salesmen and traders.
As part of WA Seniors Week (25 October-1 November), Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said special attention must be given to these consumers who are particularly at risk.
“Every day at Consumer Protection we get reports of seniors who have fallen victim to letter scams or have been victims of unscrupulous door-to-door salespeople,” Ms Driscoll said.
“There are some door-to-door sellers and itinerant traders who target the elderly in our community and often use hard-sell sales techniques to perpetrate a scam.
“Many seniors may not be aware that there is a 10-day cooling off period for door-to-door sales over the value of $50.
”Of particular concern is the technique of itinerant sellers approaching people on the street or at shopping centre car parks with once-in-a-lifetime offers.
“Goods are often misrepresented and presented as quality products but are in reality cheap look-a-like products that are not worth what people pay for them. It is often difficult to track down the salesperson if there are problems with the goods they sell.
“Consumers who buy products from door-to-door sellers have the same warranty rights as those who buy from retail shops and can demand a refund, replacement or free repair if the product is faulty.
“Some seniors are also susceptible to letter scams which give the impression the recipient has won a lottery or prizes but have to part with some money to receive it.
“Reverse mortgages are becoming a popular way for seniors to use equity in their home to fund their retirement but there are some pitfalls and we strongly advise elderly consumers to carefully consider all their options.
“Some contracts are very complex so we urge the families and carers of the elderly to closely monitor their purchases and financial commitments to make sure they are not being ripped off.”
A “Carers’ Guide to Consumer Protection” information brochure is available for download from our website at:
http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection/PDF/Publications/Carers_Guide.pdf
and information on scams are available at the WA ScamNet website:
www.commerce.wa.gov.au/wascamnet
Anyone concerned that a senior member of our community may be a victim of unfair trading practices, should contact Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 or consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au
Seniors’ organisations might also like to host a seniors’ crime and safety presentation made by one of Council on the Ageing’s trained peer educators.
“These sessions are enormously popular,” says Ken Marston, Executive Director of COTA WA.
“Fear of crime prevents seniors from living a happy life and participating in society. We are pleased to offer talks given by a senior to seniors that help seniors to feel and stay safe.”
Contact COTA WA for details on 93212133.
(Consumer Protection is a division of the Department of Commerce)
Media Contact:
Alan Hynd
9282 0961 or 0429-078791
alan.hynd@commerce.wa.gov.au