Be aware of fraud

Seniors are more likely to become victims of fraud than any other crime. Fraud against seniors is most common when goods or services are sold or bought over the telephone or via door-to-door traders. The best way to avoid being caught by fraud is to be aware - keep informed about the latest con schemes by reading the newspaper, listening to the radio, watching TV and talking to friends.
Also, be sceptical about schemes that sound too good to be true or have to be kept secret.

Common types of fraud

The most common areas for fraud are:

Home construction, building and repairs

• Check the contractor’s reputation and for proper identification.

• Check for complaints against the contractor with the Building Services Authority (BSA).

• Obtain estimates from reputable contractors.

• Remember, the cheapest quote may not be the best.

• Never pay for work in advance on small projects, and make sure deposits and progress payments are detailed in the
contract for large jobs.

• Never be rushed into signing a contract.

• Contact Home Assist Secure for the names of reputable tradespeople.

Vehicle purchases and mechanical repairs

• Always obtain quotes for repairs.

• Your vehicle manufacturer or the RACQ can advise on how long specific repairs should take.

• If buying a vehicle privately, check with the Register of Encumbered Vehicles (REVS) and the Written-Off Vehicle
Register (WOVR) by phoning 3246 1599.

• If you think there’s a problem with your purchase or repairs, check with organisations such as the RACQ and the Office of Fair Trading.

Telemarketing

• Many businesses sell products over the phone.

• Reputable direct marketing businesses follow a Code of Practice that restricts calls to between 8am-9pm daily, with
no calls on Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

• Criminals use the same techniques as legitimate companies to sell over the phone.

• Hang up or request more details or documentation if you’re unsure about a caller’s honesty.

• Don’t give them any private information about yourself, your finances or bank details.

• To reduce unwanted telemarketing calls consider registering on the ‘Do Not Call Register’. Details are available at
www.donotcall.gov.au or by calling 1300 792 958.

Credit cards

Changes in technology are resulting in sophisticated counterfeiting of credit cards. Your best protection is to protect your card.

• Don’t leave your cards where other people might see them.

• Report lost or stolen cards immediately.

• Keep a list of all your cards and numbers somewhere safe (not in your wallet or purse).

• Protect your personal identification number (PIN) and always check your monthly statement to make sure there are no purchases, withdrawals or charges you don’t know about. If you are unsure about using a credit card, cheques can be a safer alternative that provide a record of your purchase. Door-to-door traders Door-to-door sellers can only call between 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday, unless they have an exemption from the Office of Fair Trading.

If people come to your door offering to perform work, they must provide:

• a written contract if the value of the work is more than $75, and

• a 10 day cooling off period during which they cannot demand or accept money or commence work.

If you are considering hiring a door-to-door trader:

• do not pay up front.

• get more than one quote and get each in writing.

• demand to see proof of identity.

If the value of the work is more than $1000, employ only licensed tradespeople registered with the Building Services Authority (BSA) and ask to see their BSA licence card.

Help and information

Fraud

• If you suspect you are a victim of fraud, call your local police station. Brochures on fraud and its prevention are available by contacting your local police station or Queensland Police Headquarters on 3364 6464. Information is also available on-line at: www.police.qld.gov.au/pr/program/fraud/whatis.shtml

Scams and consumer advice

• Contact the Office of Fair Trading, ph: 1300 658 030 (TTY 3246 1588), for advice on how to deal with a consumer
complaint or if you want more information on how to protect yourself from fraud or to identify scams. Fair Trading also has booklets to help you guard against scams. ‘ConsumerWise’ can be obtained by phoning 1300 658 030 or visiting the web site at: www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au/oft/oftweb.nsf

Consumers online

• Commonwealth Government consumer information is available from:
www.consumersonline.gov.au
www.scamwatch.gov.au