Parents warned about mathematics programs

Media Release, The Honourable Tony Robins MP, 3 February 2008

The Victorian Minister for Consumer Affairs, Mr Tony Robinson, recently issued a media release advising parents
to be cautious of companies ‘using aggressive sales tactics to sell expensive mathematics programs.’

According to Mr Robinson, Consumer Affairs Victoria have received an increasing amount of complaints against
such companies over the past three years. The companies, who sell maths programs to ‘struggling’ primary
and secondary students, are said to be targeting disadvantaged families.

‘These programs cost $6000, however as they are often financed through a linked credit contract with interest
rates as high as 24 percent, the actual cost of the program is often closer to $8-10,000,’ Mr Robinson said.

Parents have also said that they felt coerced into signing up for the program because some companies used ‘high-pressure sales tactics’, such as conducting ‘tests’ on children. Mr Robinson has warned parents to not ‘give too much credence’ to such tests and ability assessments as they will ‘almost always show that the child needs extra help and
are designed to sell the software.’

Furthermore, Mr Robinson recommends that parents approached by such companies should ‘not sign anything on the
spot and instead speak to their child’s teacher about their learning needs.’

The media release cautions parents who purchase ‘one of the expensive programs and have second thoughts
should cancel the contract in writing during the ten day cooling off period and get their money back.’

Consumer Affairs Victoria can be contacted on 1300 558 181 or via their website: http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au.

 

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