The NT Consumer Affairs Commissioner, Gary Clements, is warning Territorians to beware of another spate of scam scratch and win cards and colourful holiday brochures sent in the mail from Malaysia.

Mr Clements said: “The current version of the scam includes two scratchie cards with always one winner, but winners find there is a $7000 government tax to pay before the proceeds can be released. Recipients are asked to send half the tax amount to Malaysia or Hong Kong but there is no prize to claim.”

The scammers also attempt identity theft by requiring winners to provide a copy of their passport for authentication along with bank details. 

The professional looking brochure claims that Flaming Ace Holidays has been around since 2004 but the web address given is for a fraudulent website that is only four weeks old.

Mr Clements further advises, “Consumers who receive these in the mail are advised to throw them in the bin.  Always be wary of unsolicited contact offering unexpected prizes. Question why you would have to pay upfront to claim a prize and never give your personal identification and bank details to anyone you do not know and trust.”

Consumers can report scams such as this to SCAMWATCH by visiting their website www.scamwatch.gov.au or by calling 1300 795 995.

For more information about Northern Territory Consumer Affairs go to the Consumer Affairs website www.consumeraffairs.nt.gov.au or contact Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319.

Media Contact: Gary Clements
Phone: 08 8935 7735
Mobile: 0401 116 821