Mobile trucks an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’
Mobile trading companies are preying on vulnerable people in poor communities, a community advocate service believes.
Pahimata Benson, a beneficiary from Awanui, says she has clocked up more than $11,000 worth of debt after visits from several truck shops.
She says Ace Marketing, The Good Guys, Lync Direct Shop and Home Direct visited her home ‘‘more than 10 times’’.
Pahimata says she’s lost track of what she has bought and has no idea how much has been paid back. Some statements show failed payment fees of $35-$41 a week.
Pahimata’s debt problem came to light after she married Peter Benson in April. They are now seeking help from the Kaitaia People’s Centre.
Manager Janine Foster says several other locals have been into the centre seeking help for the same problem. ’’They’re preying on the vulnerable in the community.’’
Lync Direct Shop says they have acted ‘‘legally and professionally’’.
‘‘This customer has not paid her account since 2014, we have sent numerous letters to her and tried contacting her ... with no success.’’
The Good Guys General Manager Nyree Anderson says Pahimata has been a customer since 2006 when she purchased $189 worth of clothing.
‘‘Pahimata continued to purchase from the truck at regular intervals to a total of 49 times... with her last purchase being made in 2014.
‘‘As a gesture of good faith, I have written off the balance owing, so Pahimata no longer owes any money to our com- pany.’’
An Ace Marketing spokesperson says Pahimata had two contracts, the first of which went into default immediately.
‘‘We have already treated both contracts as having been can- celled, and have written off all monies owed to us.’’
Home Direct retail general manager Janelle Calder says they won’t comment on individual cases but the company is happy to work with customers to help them manage debts.
Kaitaia community advocate Peter Furze says the mobile trucks are like an ‘‘Aladdin’s Cave’’.
‘‘They’re crippling a certain level of our society.’’