29/10/02
Small businesses have been warned that a scam artist is trying to sell advertising in a suspected non-existent health and safety publication.
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said small businesses around Perth were being called and told they were entitled to an Occupational Health and Safety Certificate.
A number of complaints from small businesses and a State Government agency were reporting that a man called 'Paul' telephoned, saying he wanted to give them a certificate for their excellent record of no workplace injuries. The caller quoted a rating of four out of five for being accident-free.
Following this introduction, the caller then attempts to get the trader to buy advertising in a publication by telling them there was a tight deadline and they needed an answer straight away.
"This type of activity is of great concern to us," Mr Kobelke said.
"It appears that this individual is using the occupational health certificate ruse to get a foot in the door and then hit the victim with the advertising offer.
"There is no such program being conducted by WorkSafe, the Government department responsible for occupational health and safety, and we have been unable to verify the existence of the occupational health publication referred to."
When a senior officer of the Government agency contacted 'Paul' and questioned him about who he represented and where they were located, the conversation was cut short.
The warning came as Mr Kobelke handed two official WorkSafe Plan gold certificates of achievement today to the Water Corporation Perth Region and Western Water Services. This is the second gold certificate for both organisations that have improved on an excellent occupational safety and health management records.
Mr Kobelke warned businesses approached by 'Paul' to always check the validity of any offer received over the telephone.
"You should ensure you get the company's name and address, check it exists in the telephone book and even call Consumer Protection to be sure," he said.
"The Occupational Health and Safety records of businesses are confidential and any official recognition activities would not be done over the telephone nor incorporated with a sales pitch."
The Minister said Consumer Protection was investigating 'Paul' and the supposed publication.
Business names and consumer alerts could be checked by telephoning 1300 30 40 54.
Minister's office: 9222 9211
