Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, today warned Mudgee residents to be wary of dodgy ceiling insulation installers.

Ms Judge said NSW Fair Trading received a report from local radio station 2MG of a trader providing fake company details and installing insulation without the consent of the homeowner.

“I understand the trader gained access to the property by claiming he was providing the consumer with a quote for the Commonwealth insulation rebate scheme,” she said.

“The trader then spread insulation material ‘roughly’ through the ceiling cavity without the resident’s permission.

“The trader gave a couple of ‘quotes’ and asked the resident to sign a form without giving her a copy.

“Fair Trading has referred this matter to the Federal Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, which is investigating.

“Traders caught abusing the system will be instantly struck off the insulation register. Breaches of the Fair Trading Act can result in penalties of up to $11,000.”

Ms Judge said NSW had strict laws covering door-to-door sellers.

“Consumers are under no obligation to allow traders into their homes, especially if they have suspicions about the trader’s intentions,” she said.

“You can ask sellers to leave at any time and they must leave your property. They must not visit you between 8pm-9am, seven days a week.

“They must also provide written information about your cancellation rights before any contract is made.

“If you are interested in a door-to-door deal, take the time to think it over and get proof they are trading legally and appropriately.

“By law, you have a five business day cooling-off period for sales of more than $100, so sellers cannot demand any money from you for services supplied in that period.”

Ms Judge said any consumers who have been harassed or stood-over by a door-to-door salesperson should call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 and their local police.

Ms Judge encouraged anyone with a similar experience to contact Fair Trading by telephone on 13 32 20.

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