Rogue tree loppers
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Foreign sounding touts door-knocking
The Consumer watchdog is warning householders to be very wary of people who are knocking on doors touting for work lopping trees.
Reports are that people with distinct Pacific Island accents are currently in the marketplace and are denying customers their rights and protections under door-to-door trading laws.
Investigations are underway following a number of complaints from consumers about tree loppers making high pressure unsolicited sales visits to suburban households.
“There are numerous reasons not to deal with these people. They do not provide quotes or receipts for money paid, and they demand cash payment,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said.
“It is also likely that they do not carry insurance for any damage they may cause. These tree loppers call uninvited and, contrary to the Door to Door Trading Act, they call on Sundays, accept payment and carry out work during the ten day cooling off period,” she said.
Consumer warnings were issued in 2006 and 2007 about a similar operation which involved:
- providing misleading information about when council rubbish collections are to take place;
- having only a mobile phone number as a contact and not returning messages;
- failing to issue receipts for payments;
- undertaking unauthorised work;
- failing to complete work;
- damaging property; and
- requiring cash payments up front.
“We strongly urge people to be very vigilant and not to have anything to do with cold callers. Consumers should contact us for assistance if they have any doubts.
Telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au .
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