Published
New South Wales Fair Trading Minister, Anthony Roberts, and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant, today warned Dubbo residents about traders selling home video projectors or other electrical goods out of the back of vans.
Mr Roberts said New South Wales Fair Trading had been contacted by a member of the public regarding individuals selling video projectors and other electrical goods out of a van parked at Orana Mall, Mitchell Highway.
“With Mother’s Day approaching, people may be urged to grab a bargain for mum, however I urge people to use the utmost caution in considering a purchase of electronic goods out of the back of a van, as there is a very real risk these are sub-standard, if not virtually worthless,” Mr Roberts said.
“Residents are warned these traders may turn up anywhere across the Central West and Fair Trading investigators are conducting surveillance across Dubbo today.
“If these people approach you selling electronic goods, you should walk away and report it to the Dubbo Fair Trading Centre, 50 Wingewarra Street, or by calling 5804 5000 or 13 32 20.”
Mr Roberts said sales tactics such as this were all too common, and usually involved white vans.
“Fair Trading recently prosecuted a company that was selling stereo equipment that did not work at all in some cases,” he said.
“This company was fined more than $23,000 and had to surrender all seized equipment.
“The traders often use a sales pitch suggesting they need to move the stock before returning to the warehouse and they are prepared to offer real bargains.
“They prey on people’s desire for a bargain, but that is not what people get when they buy this stuff.
“Often the goods are packaged using fake brand names and false statements, including that the equipment has received various, non-existent industry awards,” Mr Roberts said.
Mr Grant congratulated Fair Trading for their vigilance on behalf of Dubbo’s consumers.
Contact details
General inquiries
NSW Fair Trading 13 32 20