The Consumer Protection Commissioner has defined a consumer’s rights when someone knocks, texts, or calls to sell something.
Commissioner Gary Newcombe said it is a scenario many consumers will be familiar with.
“Whether it’s a knock on a salesperson’s front door or unsolicited text messages, phone calls, and emails, it can help to know that there are strict rules about how businesses are allowed to contact you,” said Mr. Newcombe.
“Regarding door-to-door sellers, there are restrictions on when they can go by. They can only knock on the door on weekdays between 9 am and 6 pm and on Saturdays between 9 am and 5 pm.
“They have to explain the purpose of their visit and identify themselves.”
Mr. Newcombe said if you ask a salesperson to leave, they should exit immediately.
“If you contract with a door-to-door seller, they must provide a copy of the signed contract and disclose your ‘cooling off’ or termination rights,” he said.
“Under Australian consumer law, you have ten working days to reconsider an agreement and cancel it without penalty.”
He said that if a consumer prefers that uninvited salespeople stay away from them, they can put a Do Not Knock sticker on their front door or gate.
“Ignoring this message means they are violating Australian consumer law and can be reported to Consumer Protection,” said Mr. Newcombe.
To be. Communities. He said Consumer Protection distributes hundreds of free ‘Do Not Knock’ stickers yearly from the city and regional offices, through mailouts when requests come in at the contact center, or through the Community Education team when they visit.
“Other ways companies try to target you are through telemarketing calls and spam emails or text messages, an area regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA),” said Mr. Newcombe.
He said an online wine retailer recently paid a $204,000 fine after ACMA discovered it had sent unsolicited text messages to consumers who had attempted to unsubscribe, called phone numbers on the Do Not Call Registry, and failed telemarketing calls and Had terminated when requested.
“While companies must have your consent to send e-marketing and are not allowed to contact numbers on the Do Not Call Registry, unfortunately, these measures will not stop calling and texting scammers who do not adhere to the guidelines. Keep the law,” the spokesperson said. It is said the commissioner.
He said complaints about unwanted communications and spam could be made to the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
