NSW FAIR Trading is calling on seniors to stand up for their consumer rights, after an elderly woman spent $2000 on curtains which weren’t delivered on time.
The Armidale pensioner ordered curtains in April last year, however, when they hadn’t been delivered by July, she sought the help of Fair Trading.
After Fair Trading staff stepped in, negotiators ensured the curtains arrived and scored a better deal for the woman.
The retailer agreed to install the curtains for free and cut 10 per cent off the fabric costs.
NSW Fair Trading commissioner Rod Stowe said this was a typical example of how his office helped seniors.
“Where a problem hasn’t been able to be resolved directly with a trader, Fair Trading helps with everything from chasing up suppliers who haven’t delivered the curtains you’ve ordered to negotiating with builders who damaged your property,” Mr Stowe said.
Mr Stowe said Fair Trading was using the NSW Seniors Festival to promote awareness in elderly residents across the state.
“We recognise that seniors are particularly vulnerable,” he said.
“They are at home when these conmen call or knock on their door, we find that older Australians are more trusting.”
The state Fair Trading commissioner said the watchdog was targeting conmen in NSW communities.
“People in regional areas are susceptible to travelling conmen,” Mr Stowe said.
“Our training is about empowering and making seniors more equipped to handle the situation.
“We advise seniors to let us know if there is a scam so we can let the wider community know.”
Fair Trading produces the popular Seniors Guide to consumer rights in NSW, which is freely available on the Fair Trading website.
Residents wanting to report an incident can contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20.
