[dbaust] Fw: SCAMwatch email alert: Scam scratchies strike again [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

From: Erika Webb <erikaweb@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: Erika Webb <erikaweb@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 19:09:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: SCAMwatch email alerts <web.team@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: SCAMwatch email alert:  Scam scratchies strike again 
Received: Friday, 18 May, 2012, 3:37 PM

Scam scratchies strike again Friday, 18 May, 2012
View radar online.

Added: May 2012
SCAMwatch is advising consumers to continue to be on the look out for scam 
scratchie cards in their letterbox. You may think you’re a big winner but 
scammers will ask you for thousands to claim a prize that never arrives.


How the scam works

You receive a package in the mail which will commonly contain colourful travel 
brochures and a number of scratchie cards. One card will always be a winner. 
The most common ‘prize’ being a second prize of $150,000. 
If you call the number provided in the package, the scammer will ask for fees 
or taxes to be paid using a wire transfer service. 
Fees for claiming the ‘prize’ are often in the thousands and if you pay, you 
will never receive your promised winnings or see your money again. 
In some rare cases you may be asked to travel overseas to collect your 
winnings. 
The scammer may also request bank details and copies or original photo 
identification. 
The scam package may contain contact details for an overseas company and will 
also provide a web address for a fraudulent but professional-looking travel 
website. 
The packages may fraudulently mention legitimate travel and holiday providers.

Protect yourself

Be suspicious of any unsolicited letters, emails or telephone calls offering an 
unexpected prize or cash win. 
Ask yourself why you have to pay upfront money for a prize when the sum could 
be deducted from your winnings. 
NEVER send money or give personal details to people who contact you out of the 
blue, and who you don’t know and trust. 
Always get independent advice if you are unsure whether an offer or request is 
genuine. 
Search the company’s name on the internet as many scams can be identified this 
way.

Report
You can report scams to the ACCC via the report a scam page on SCAMwatch or by 
calling 1300 795 995.


More information
Read more about lottery and sweepstake scams and unexpected ‘prizes’.


SCAMwatch has also issued the following radars and media release on scratchie 
scams in the past:

August 2011 - New round of scam scratchie cards in the mail 
October 2010: Beware of scratching your way into a scam (media release) 
September 2010: Beware of scam scratchie cards in your letterbox  
July 2010: Scratchie card scams continue  
January 2010: Happy win or just a scam?

Stay one step ahead of scammers, follow @SCAMwatch_gov on Twitter or visit 
http://twitter.com/SCAMwatch_gov
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[dbaust] Fw: SCAMwatch email alert: Scam scratchies strike again [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

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