NSW Fair Trading is warning the state’s seniors during NSW Seniors Week (March 20 – 27) to stay scam smart and when in doubt over any consumer transaction, call Fair Trading on 13 32 20 for advice.

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin said seniors were a common target for scammers and that older people should not hesitate to ask for help when faced with any consumer related problem.

“Older people are often used to managing on their own and can be reluctant to ask for help or guidance,” he said.

“We want seniors across the state to know that Fair Trading can help them avoid scams and also provide good advice on how to get fair treatment in the marketplace.

“Too often our investigators are faced with situations where the elderly, particularly in regional and remote areas, have been scammed or ripped off.

“Itinerant crooks taking cash for dodgy home building and repair work are a common problem and older people also get caught up in online and phone scams.

“Sometimes they simply lack confidence asserting their rights when it comes to things like refunds, repairs and remedies for bad or substandard goods and services.”

Mr Griffin recommended the Fair Trading Seniors guide for a range of advice and contacts, as well as the audio CD, Your home, your car, your money.

Both resources can be found on Fair Trading website or you can pick up copies from any Fair Trading Centre. You can also call 13 32 20 and Fair Trading will post a copy to you.

Mr Griffin said NSW Fair Trading provided nearly $400,000 this year for The Aged Care Rights Service (TARS) in Surry Hills to help residents in retirement villages, nursing homes, hostels and boarding houses.

“People living in such accommodation can require advice to fully understand their rights when things go wrong and can need help in enforcing those rights,” he said.

“Call 1800 424 079 or go to www.tars.com.au. Advocacy can be provided over the phone or, when required, a consultant will travel to regional, rural and remote areas.

“Last year, TARS provided information, advice or advocacy to more than 2,600 people and conducted more than 300 information and education sessions for older people across the state.

“Fair Trading also provided more than $202,000 funding this year to the statewide Older Persons Tenants' Service (OPTS) for advice, tenancy information materials, advocacy and representation at the Consumer, Trader and Tenancy Tribunal for seniors.

“To contact OPTS call (02) 9566 1120 or for Country Callers 1800 13 13 10, email opts@cpsa.org.au or go to www.cpsa.org.au.”

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