Police are warning residents to exercise extreme caution with door-to-door traders after a man gained entry to a Gordonvale home earlier in the week. The elderly resident allowed the man access to the home after he claimed to be checking smoke alarms.
The resident became suspicious after the man allegedly failed to produce any identification and asked a number of questions regarding contents within the house and if anyone else lived with the resident.
The man is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, approximately 175cm tall, around 27-year-of-age with tanned skin and dark hair. The man was driving a small white car with a ladder on the roof.
For further information on scams or to download your free copy of the ‘Little Black Book of Scams’ visit: www.scamwatch.gov.au
PROTECT YOURSELF
REMEMBER: If someone comes to your door, ask to see their identification. You do not have to let them in and they must leave if you ask them to.
CAUTION: Never agree to anything without reading all of the terms and conditions of every offer carefully – claims of free or very cheap offers often have hidden costs.
THINK: Don’t agree to any offer involving a significant amount of money, time or commitment. Seek independent advice first.
INVESTIGATE: If you are interested in what a door-to-door salesperson has to offer, take the time to find out about their business and their offer. Shop around to make sure you are getting a good deal.
ASK YOURSELF: Is there a cooling-off period so that you can cancel a contract or purchase within a certain number of days? Contact the ACCC or your local fair trading agency for more information.
(Information sourced from the ‘Little Black Book of Scams’ – ACCC 2010)
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.