FAIR TRADING ‘SCAM BUSTER’ APP READY TO TAKE ON THE CONS

Friday, 25 November 2011 11:47

Media Releases - Kevin Anderson Media Release

23 November 2011

FAIR TRADING ‘SCAM BUSTER’ APP READY TO TAKE ON THE CON

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson today encouraged consumers with smartphones to join the fight against scams and download the new Fair Trading Scam Buster app from the Apple App Store and the Android Market.

Mr Anderson said the free app will allow consumers to make a difference in the fight against conmen by learning about current scams doing the rounds in Australia, get Fair Trading's expert tips on how to bust scams and empower consumers to report a scam. 

“Odds are that everyone will be the target of a scam at some stage in their lives,” Mr Anderson said. 

"I often have local people contact my office to advise me of scams they believe to be targeting our community. This app is another example of how the Government is trying to assist the consumer to protect themselves."

“It is estimated that every year one in 20 Australians fall victim to scams.

“Scams come in many forms and reach you in many ways – by mail, online through e-mail, telephone and door-to-door.

“Scammers know how to push the right buttons to get the response they want, so the NSW Government wants to do whatever it can to undermine their effectiveness.” 

Mr Anderson said the Scam Buster app is designed to help consumers stay one step ahead of cheats and conmen and assist Fair Trading by gathering valuable intelligence about scams.

“Scam Buster allows consumers to play a role in stamping out scams and encourages them to report suspected scams to Fair Trading,” he said.

Mr Anderson said the app also allows consumers to keep up-to-date with the latest scams targeting Australia.

“Consumers can familiarise themselves with the latest scams and make sure they are better equipped to identify con-artists and their shady offers,” Mr Anderson said.  

“If the scam is not listed, consumers can report it and assist others in the community. Scam attempts are less likely to succeed if people are forewarned about a particular scam.”

Mr Anderson encouraged consumers to download the app as an added defence against the scammers and the con artists.

For more information visit the Fair Trading website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. Comments and feedback are welcome, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   and quote 'Scam Buster' in the subject. 

ENDS