BE SCAM SMART

SCAM FILE

The Department of Fair Trading is dedicated to showing you how to become more aware of those who wish to give you what you neither want nor need.

Make It a Safe Christmas

Queensland Children’s Week in October highlighted the importance of using common sense when buying Christmas presents for the kids to avoid preventable injuries.

Fair Trading’s Product Safety Officers will be conducting toy compliance surveys to ensure the safety of toys on sale in the lead up to Christmas.

When buying toys, it’s wise to follow the five ‘S’s of toy safety:

Size – the smaller the child the bigger the toy

Shape – be wary of products that are easily swallowed and have sharp edges and points

Surface – make sure all finishes are non-toxic (packages should state this)

Strings – anything over 30 cm is a strangulation hazard for a small child

Supervision – nothing replaces close supervision

Always take note of the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding age.

Sight for Sore Eyes

World Retina Week held in September highlighted the importance of protecting your eyesight by wearing sunglasses.

UVR (ultra violet rays) exposure can cause cataracts and other serious forms of eye damage over a long period of time. Sunglasses provide the best protection against damaging UVR radiation.

Sunglasses must comply with a mandatory safety standard and provide adequate protection from UVR by blocking out at least 95% of rays. Cheaper sunglasses can provide just as good sun protection as expensive ones.

When buying sunglasses remember:

Wrap around sunglasses give the best UV protection

Coloured or mirrored lenses may have no effect on the UV protection rating

On water or in the snow, consider specific purpose sunglasses

Toy sunglasses for children should not be used as protective sunglasses.

Smart Travel for Seniors

Following International Day of Older Persons in October, Fair Trading has reminded senior travellers to exercise caution when planning trips and holidays.

To reduce risks and ensure a trouble-free holiday:

Deal with a licensed travel agent who is also a member of the Travel Compensation Fund

Shop around and compare prices and packages

Check the fine print and make sure you understand all terms and conditions before you sign

Ask for all quotes and itineraries in writing

Before paying a deposit, check that it is fully refundable if you cancel your trip

If you require special facilities, dietary or medical requirements, check whether these can be accommodated and included in the price.

Nigerian E-Mail Scam Warning

Several issues ago, we alerted you to scams relating to overseas requests for your ‘help’ in supplying your bank details in order to transfer millions of dollars, because of some dramatic circumstance.

Well, the Nigerian version of this con is doing the rounds again, so be warned that this is just another means of depriving you of your money and giving you nothing or little of value in return.

Scams prey on people’s desire to increase their wealth, so resist the temptation!