Learn about scams and cons |
Scams are a waste of your time and money.
Look out for offers that:
- grab your attention and promise you wealth, health and beauty
- seem too good to be true
- ask for your personal details
- ask you to give cash, even a small amount, either by mail or by giving them your bank account details.
Common scams
- People door-to-door selling overpriced products you don´t need.
- Unlicensed home repairers who try to get your money before they do the work or who do a shoddy job.
- Competitions or lotteries that ask you to send money to get a prize.
- Mail order scams that ask you to give your bank account details to an overseas organisation to help people in need.
- Chain letters or emails that ask you to send small sums of money to several people.
There are many more types of scams out there, these are just a few common examples.
Protect yourself
- Question the offer.
- Check the person´s ID.
- Learn techniques that may help you identify scams.
- Don´t give out your name, phone number and bank account details.
- You have the right to say "no" and to take time to get more information and advice.
- Only use licensed tradespeople (check with the Building Services Authority on 07 3225 2855).
- Report the scam - call the Office of Fair Trading and warn your friends and family in your area.
- Make sure you receive a written contract for goods or services more than $100.
Tip: Remember, if it´s too good to be true, it is probably a lie.
Want more information on scams?
Visit:
The Office of Fair Trading´s scam information
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
http://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/
Don´t take the risk - check tradespeople have a licence!
A roof painter offered to paint Harold´s roof for a cheap price because he had some leftover paint from a previous job. Harold agreed and paid him the full amount in cash. The painter finished the job in no time. By the time Harold realised the paint job was not up to scratch the painter was long gone. Harold called the Office of Fair Trading, but the Office of Fair Trading investigators and police couldn´t find the painter.
Last reviewed 13/12/2011 |
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