Scammers use Bendigo Health's name

SCAMMERS claiming to be representing Bendigo Health are targeting elderly residents.Bendigo Hospital spokeswoman Cath Allen said it had been notified that a company operating under the name NIAGRA was contacting elderly people and offering assessments on circulation in the legs.She said they were then encouraged to sign contracts to buy expensive equipment to assist with poor circulation.“A patient brought it to our attention last week and the message is to be aware,” Ms Allen said.NIAGRA was not a representative of Bendigo Health and if anyone was approached by people claiming to represent the hospital, they should contact it to make sure they’re genuine, she said.Bendigo police said they had not received reports of people claiming to be representing Bendigo Health.But people should contact police if they had any concerns.Although Consumer Affairs Victoria was aware of the group, spokeswoman Heather Abbott said any door-to-door sales agreement must be in writing and signed by the consumer.She said it must also contain all the terms of the agreement, including the price and all fees and charges, the trader’s name and business address, the statutory notice of the 10-day cooling-off period and the statutory notice of the cancellation process that is required if the consumer cancels the sale within the cooling-off period.Ms Abbott said if consumers had concerns about this trader, they should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300?55?81?81 or visit consumer.vic.gov.au