Warning on safety scam

THE Fire Protection Association of Australia has urged residents to be wary of scammers taking advantage of heightened fire safety concerns in the wake of the Black Saturday fires.
FPA Australia has recently received reports of home-owners receiving telephone sales calls from a group falsely claiming to be from FPA Australia or the fabricated “Aussie Domestic Fire and Safety”.
Callers attempt to coerce unsuspecting home-owners to purchase extinguishers, fire blankets and smoke detectors, falsely claiming it is a government requirement as of November 2008.
They also promise they will cover home-owners for 30 percent of damages in the event of fire.
While regulations stipulate that homes must have smoke detectors, there is no legal requirement for homes to have an extinguisher, fire blanket or regular inspections.
FPA Australia chief executive Scott Williams said it was appalling that scammers were targeting vulnerable residents in bushfire affected areas.
“An unsuspecting home-owner could eventually find themselves underinsured or with a questionable quality of protection should they fall for this scam,” he said.
FPA Australia advises consumers interested in purchasing fire protection products to choose companies compliant with FPA Australia’s Code of Practice. Compliant members are listed at www.fpaa.com.au/providers/.
Police have advised residents to be cautious when providing people with personal details over the phone and internet.
Residents who have received a suspicious phone call can report it to Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 558 181.