DODGY DOOR-TO-DOOR TRADERS EXPLOITING WATER WORRIES

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech has condemned the tactics of door-to-door traders exploiting concerns about recycled water to make a fast buck.

Mrs Keech said she was outraged to hear of traders selling water purifiers pressuring homeowners into buying their products by giving residents false information about recycled water.

“Some residents have been told by these traders that they will be drinking recycled water within two weeks in a bid to convince them to buy a water purifier,” she said.

“This is simply wrong. It is a blatant lie being used by these traders to sell their products.

“I am outraged that these people are exploiting the effects of Queensland’s worst ever drought by providing false information as part of their high-pressure sales tactics.

“I would urge anyone who has been approached by these traders to contact the Office of Fair Trading.”

Mrs Keech said the office of Fair Trading had today received several calls from residents in the Logan, Redbank Plains and Kippa Ring areas who had been approached by these door-to-door traders.

“These people are using scare tactics on vulnerable residents,’’ she said.

“It is just appalling.

“I’m not suggesting that a water purifier isn’t a worthwhile purchase but if you want to buy one, shop around – don’t be pressured by traders using intimidation and false information to make a sale.”

Mrs Keech said Queenslanders should be on their guard against dodgy door-to-door sellers.

She said the Office of Fair Trading received 40 complaints about shonky roving traders last year.

“Queensland has laws to protect people against these unsolicited approaches and the intimidating tactics used by some of these people,” she said.

"Traders caught breaching the Act face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.”

Mrs Keech said that under the Fair Trading Act 1989, door-to-door salespeople must:

• only call on customers between 9am and 6pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am and 5pm on Saturdays. Calls on Sundays or public holidays are prohibited;
• wear clear identification;
• provide a written contract clearly stating the breakdown of costs, including GST and the total price, for the sale of goods or services valued at more than $75; and
• offer a 10-day cooling-off period for the sale of goods and services valued at more than $75. During this time no payment, including deposits, can be accepted and no work can begin.

Mrs Keech said anyone who has been approached by a dodgy door-to-door tradesperson or salesperson should immediately contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.

Media Contact: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0439 761416