Knock if you dare

Annoying salespeople who ignore “do not knock” signs could be charged and fined under a proposed change to consumer law.

The federal government will be asked to create an offence to ensure sellers who ignore “do not knock” stickers will be fined up to $50,000, in a move that may help the elderly live peacefully in their own homes.

The Herald Sun reports Consumer Action will offer hundreds of thousands of “do not knock” signs to householders in a national campaign launched last week.

Campaign director, Gerard Brody, says residents – particularly those who are elderly – are often unsure of their position or feel rude telling salespeople to “go away”.

“We’re hoping Australians will start to assert their right to be left in peace,” he says, adding sellers who “snub” signs on letterboxes or near front doors are already “technically committing trespass”.

Consumer Affairs Victoria recorded 250 cases about doorknock sales between January and August which include claims about rogue salespeople selling overpriced goods, not advising of cooling-off periods, pressuring people to go to banks to get deposits, and trying to sell goods without a receipt.

To obtain a ‘Do not Knock’ sticker, visit www.donotknock.org.au