Con artists ripping off the elderly and other vulnerable consumer groups are the target of a new television advertising campaign by NSW Fair Trading.

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin launched the campaign in Sydney today and urged the public to help Fair Trading investigators eliminate the itinerant rip off.

“Every year, throughout the year, Fair Trading receives reports of itinerants ripping off the public,” he said.

“Some are domestic gangs and individuals known to police and Fair Trading, others are here on visas for a temporary rort, but in every case the consumer is conned.

“Itinerants offer cheap deals at ‘today only’ rates, ask for cash upfront, offer to drive you to the bank, pressure you to accept their offer and will disappear and leave the job unfinished.”

Mr Griffin said the public continued to get taken in by Irish scammers doing bitumen laying and other yard work, despite numerous warnings being issued.

“With this advertising campaign we want to interrupt the business activities of these scammers, teach consumers to avoid engaging with them and put perpetrators of scams before the courts,” he said.

“We know these groups operate across state borders so we are coordinating with interstate law enforcement and consumer protection agencies, as well as Federal agencies, to help ensure we catch them and close them down. The ads are also being run in Victoria.”

NSW Crimestoppers CEO Peter Price said itinerant conmen needed to be stopped.

“Crimestoppers will be working with NSW Fair Trading to protect residents across the state from unscrupulous rip off merchants,” he said.

Mr Griffin urged the public to report any sightings or contact with itinerants and to take details of car registration, phone numbers and the physical appearance of perpetrators.

“Call Fair Trading on 13 32 20,” he said.

The television advertisements will run from 12 – 26 September.

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