Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts today launched a new mobile phone Scam Buster app as part of the NSW Government’s fight against scammers and con men.

The launch of the Scam Buster app which can downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Android Market coincides with Fair Trading Week 2011, which begins today.

Mr Roberts said this year’s Fair Trading Week theme is Fair market. Fair play. Fair go.

“This year’s theme highlights the role Fair Trading plays in creating a safe and equitable marketplace for all consumers and traders,” he said.

“Scammers are happy to exploit everyday Australians at every turn. They undermine the marketplace and make it difficult for legitimate traders. Scammers are not interested in giving anyone a fair go; they are indiscriminate, predatory and relentless.”

Mr Roberts said the free Scam Buster app is designed to help NSW residents stay one step ahead of cheats and conmen and assist Fair Trading by gathering valuable intelligence about scams.

“Scam Buster allows consumers to play a role in stamping out scams and encourages them to report suspected scams to Fair Trading,” he said.

“The app also informs consumers and keeps them up-to-date with the latest scams targeting consumers. We know from experience that scam attempts are less likely to succeed if people are forewarned about a particular scam.”

Mr Roberts encouraged consumers to download the app as an added defence against the scammers and the con artists.

“Scammers know how to push the right buttons to get the response they want, so we are keen to do all we can to undermine their effectiveness,” the Minister said.

Mr Roberts encouraged consumers and traders to get amongst Fair Trading Week 2011.

“More than 60 activities have been organised in metropolitan and regional centres across NSW, ranging from open days, award presentations, information sessions, trader visits and shopping centre, mall and library information stands,” he said.

The Minister will be promoting the new Fair Trading Scam app at Sydney’s Central Railway Station at 8am on Monday 14 November (Eddy Avenue).

You can find out more about the work of Fair Trading by attending one of our events in your local area. All events are free. For more information or to register your place, go to the Fair Trading website.

Back to Media releases

Top of page