Australia Post and Consumer Protection are warning Aussie homeowners of mail scams disguised as travel brochures.
A long-running Malaysian letter scam has hit Australian shores with Scam Net receiving reports of fake scratchies and travel brochures in mailboxes.
The scam has been the subject of warnings from Consumer Protection for many years but, each time, the scammers change the name of the promotion and the business behind it.
Residents receive mail in the form of glossy travel brochures that contain two fake scratchies, with one showing a $US200,000 win.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said people need to be wary of scams that come to them via phone, email and social media and also arrive via their letterbox.
“The fact that this scam is presented in a very professional, expensive looking brochure may make people think that it’s legitimate and the scratchie prize is real, but don’t be fooled,” he said.
“While we haven’t received any reports of people losing money, there is a risk that someone will be duped into paying the upfront fees they demand before they send the prize money."
The latest reincarnations go under the names of "Kodak Moment Travel" and "Historics Tour" and attempt to gain personal information from the supposed ‘winners’ who will then be asked to pay fees upfront before receiving their prize money.
“The process of verifying the winner’s identity tempts people to reveal personal information that may be used later to steal their identity," Mr Hillyard said.
“So don’t respond, don’t provide personal information and, most importantly, don’t send any money to these scammers. Throw these brochures and the fake scratchies in the bin.
“We work with Australia Post to try to intercept scam mail but many still get through so WA householders need to be vigilant if they receive these enticing brochures offering fake prizes.”
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