This section contains useful articles for those people looking for a new home, or useful information around the home. We also bring you important safety information and tips on your rights from the Office of Fair Trading

• Your Rights - Office of Fair Trading
• Safety In The Home
  • Spring Clean To Improve Fire Safety in the Home
  • Crime Prevention - Help Stop Break-Ins
• Accommodation
  • Buying a home - Expert advice from FIDO, a Govt financial advisory service

RECALLS SAVE LIVES

Consumers are urged not to become blasé about product safety recalls. During January, NSW Fair Trading was notified of a number of voluntary product recalls regarding a range of household electrical appliances including hair dryers, wall mounted heaters and extension leads. It only takes a few moments for consumers to check if they have purchased a recalled product, but it could save a life. Every year an estimated 30 Australians are killed and up to 500 are seriously injured by faulty products. Faults are sometimes not obvious to the consumer and can have potentially serious impacts. Manufacturers and distributors who initiate a voluntary recall of defective goods must notify State and Territory Fair Trading and Consumer Affairs agencies within two days of deciding to conduct the recall. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is currently carrying out a review of the effectiveness of the product recall system. The review will identify if areas need improving so that the Federal Government can deal with the recall of unsafe goods as effectively as possible. Consumers are encouraged to have their say on product safety recalls online at www.recalls.gov.au . If you have any concerns about recalls phone 1300 302 502. For more information contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

WARNING TO ONLINE SHOPPERS

Consumers who shop online are being reminded that they should always exercise caution. In 2009 NSW Fair Trading received 3,396 complaints about online trading including 230 complaints about online auctions -- an increase of 33.5 per cent from 2008. Shopping online is easy and convenient but there are major risks associated with purchasing products over the internet. More than half of the complaints received related to non or partial delivery of goods, faults or damages and products not matching their descriptions, while 20 per cent of complaints related directly to refunds, overcharging and other money issues. Technology offers consumers many benefits, but with these benefits come new traps. Consumers need to be aware of the pitfalls of buying online, so they can avoid scams and costly mistakes. Online shoppers should always follow these simple rules:

• do your research - only buy from sites you know and trust;
• check it is an established, reputable business with a physical address;
• check the site's refund and return policy;
• look out for hidden costs such as packing, delivery or currency conversion; and
• don't provide bank account details, credit card numbers or other personal details to businesses you do not completely trust.

Consumers should shop around, keep receipts and carefully check their credit card statements. For further information contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visit www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

BEWARE OF DIGITAL TV SCAMS

Consumers are warned to be wary of door-to-door traders claiming to represent the government and selling digital television set top boxes. The scammers tell residents they will get a government rebate if they purchase one of their digital television set top boxes. There are no reimbursements for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers, including door to door sellers.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has listed this scam on its SCAMwatch website and is warning consumers to avoid these scammers at all costs. NSW Fair Trading received one complaint regarding door-to-door sellers who pressured their way into a house in Albury to install a "free" set-top box. These individuals told the consumer the set top box was part of a government offer. They installed the box and forced the consumer to sign a document which was a contract for $60 to be debited from her account. The set-top box didn't work and the company associated with the sellers debited $6 from her account every few days. The consumer tried unsuccessfully to cancel the contract but did manage to get the company to retrieve the box.

Ultimately, the consumer had to close the account and organise a reversal from the bank. Consumers shouldn't be pressured into buying something without shopping around. Switching to digital television should be an inexpensive task. If consumers are unsure of what television products to buy, call the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 201 013. If consumers have purchased any goods over $100, a five day cooling off period applies which allows them to cancel the contract. The supplier of goods cannot charge any fees during this period. Traders caught breaching the Fair Trading Act 1987 can face penalties of up to $22,000 for an individual or $110,000 for a corporation. Consumers who feel they have been mislead by a trader can report the matter to the ACCC on 1300 302 502, the Digital Switchover Taskforce on 1800 201 013 or NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au . Analogue free-to-air TV is being replaced with a digital service between 2010 and 2013. For more information on the projected rollout go to www.digitalready.gov.au .

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