Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge is warning Southern Sydney residents to be wary of dodgy ceiling insulation installers.

Ms Judge said Fair Trading had received reports of con artists operating in the St George Sutherland Shire this week.

“The group was allegedly carrying work without the consent of the owners at a unit block in Mortdale,” she said.

“The group of five men apparently became aggressive when a resident challenged their authority to carry work.”

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

“People are under no obligation whatsoever to allow unwelcome traders into their homes under any circumstances, especially if they have suspicions abut the traders’ intentions,” she said.

“You can ask them to leave at any time and they must leave your property.

“Sellers 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 I would encourage you to get proof they are trading legally and appropriately,” Ms Judge said.

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.

Sellers must not visit you between 8pm-9am, seven days a week.

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.

“Breaches of the direct commerce provisions of the Fair Trading Act can result in penalties of up to $11,000,” she said.

More information on ceiling insulation is available from this website.

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