International Day Of Older Persons - secure and active elderly

On October 1, we observe the International Day of Older Persons. Traders frequently take advantage of senior citizens’ trust. UOKiK, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy and the Trade Inspectorate are jointly reminding of the rights of consumers - elderly citizens.

Older persons are reluctant to file a complaint, do not fight for their rights, they believe seller’s assurances, and this is exploited by dishonest traders. It is common to impersonate a power supply seller, to mislead on the medicinal attributes of a product. On the International Day of Older Persons,  the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, the Office of Competition and Consumer Protectionand the Trade Inspectorate jointly remind of the rights of elderly persons.

- Seniors are a growing group of consumers who often do not know the rights they are entitled to. It's a fast way to become a victim of fraudsters. An action, like this one, carried out by several cooperating institutions, makes it possible to reach out the elderly and their close ones. This way they will get informed on what to look for and most importantly where to find help – explained Elżbieta Rafalska, Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy.

– Elderly consumers are often deceived and persuaded to buy expensive equipment. Sellers take advantage of their trust. Education is one thing, but certainly legal changes are needed to ensure greater security for this consumer segment. They deserve the utmost care from the state. – says Marek Niechciał, the President of the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection. The Authority is considering, inter alia, enforcing the obligation to record shows for which older persons are invited or to set a sum limit when buying products away from the operator’s premises.

Dear Elderly, remember, that:

• You have the right to say “no”. Be careful when you pick up the phone from the gas plant, power station, telecommunication services, and the consultant claims to have a better deal. Hang up and call your current electricity, gas provider or telecommunication operator. Make sure that you are being really offered better rates.
• Are you going to the show to pick up the "prize"? Beware: Leave your ID card and retirement slip at home, otherwise, the seller may "help" you to borrow for the products you do not need. Invitation for "free examination", "prize collection", "culinary show", can mean selling expensive products. Do not let yourself be deceived.
• You have 14 days to cancel the contract you entered on the show.
• Familiarize yourself with the "Safe and active senior" campaign that has been prepared by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy.
• You have the right to free legal assistance. Get advice from a consumer advocate in your town or county. Call the helpline: 801 440 220, 22 290 89 16. Write to: . If you have been cheated, report the matter to the police.