Sunshine Coast police are urging the community to be scam aware and avoid becoming a victim.
Unfortunately, the door-to-door traders are back to their old tricks, trying to scam unsuspecting and vulnerable people on the Sunshine Coast.
Recently, there have been several reports made to police regarding suspicious behaviour by traders knocking on doors and offering bitumen laying services at a discounted price.
The trader commonly states that they have completed a bitumen laying job in the vicinity and have left over bitumen which can be offered at a substantial discount.
If the traders try to get payment straight away it is a red flag you are being scammed as they are not complying with the law. Door-to-door traders must advise consumers about a 10-day cooling-off period, and they must not accept payment or begin any services during this time.
The traders are trying to put the consumers on the spot to make a decision. Do not make any decisions until you shop around, compare prices, check reviews on the traders, ask for a business card or identification, keep receipts, do not give out any personal information and do not pay for any services until they have been provided.
Do not let politeness get in your way of saying ‘no’ to these traders. They prey on the vulnerability of the consumer. If you tell them to leave, they must leave.
Consumers can request a ‘Do-not-Knock’ sticker from the Department of Fair trading at https://www.qld.gov.au/law/fair-trading. It is an offence under the Australian Consumer Law for door-to-door traders to approach a residence that displays one of these stickers.
I’m sure you have heard if an offer is too good to be true, it probably is!
For any suspicious behaviour or suspected scamming, you can report these to Policelink 131444, Department of Fair Trading, Scamwatch website and the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
