Issue Date:  -  Monday, 28 May 2001

Envelope-stuffing no career- Fair Trading

The Ministry of Fair Trading is concerned about a re-emergence of envelope-stuffing scams, which are being advertised in the Press as real jobs.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said he was concerned the victims included long-term unemployed people desperate for any work they could get.

"These people can least afford to lose money through one of these schemes or be sidetracked from their job searching," Mr Walker said.

Fair Trading was currently receiving about 50 calls a week from people seeking advice about envelope-stuffing schemes.

"If we're getting that volume of calls, there are clearly many more West Australians receiving these offers," he said.

The most recent envelope-stuffing scam, headed Dantin & Associates, promises $1000 to people prepared to stuff 1000 envelopes at home.

Job seekers are told to send $30 in return for a "home-mailer's kit" but what they get are instructions to advertise and mail out identical kits in the hope of getting $30 from each recipient.

"Envelope-stuffing schemes are illegal under the Fair Trading Act because the operators make false and misleading statements in respect of employment prospects," Mr Walker said.

Promoters could be fined up to $20,000, while losers can seek to recoup their losses through the courts from any proven participant in the same scheme.

Mr Walker warned computer-owners to also watch for email-based variations such as Project 21

"The email pitch with these versions is usually something like: 'make money with your computer' or 'work part-time processing emails'.

"These schemes are a con," he said.

Consumers already involved should ask for their money back then, if they don't get a refund, contact Fair Trading.

People wanting more information can ring the Fair Trading Call Centre during office hours on 1300 30 40 54 for the cost of a local call. Last year the Call Centre gave free advice to more than 170,000 West Australians.