Issue Date:  -  Friday, 21 February 2003

Suspicious Bethlehem land sale netted by consumer watchdog

One hundred U.S. dollars will supposedly buy Western Australian Consumers one square inch of land in the `Holy Garden of Peace' of the First Baptist Church of Bethlehem, according to the church's founder Pastor Dr. Naim B. Khoury.

Businesses and individuals are receiving unsolicited invitations to purchase single or multiple one inch plots at $100 U.S. per inch (approx. $170 AUS) in order to receive an `Honourable Sponsorship Certificate' from website www.bethlehemgarden.com

"WAScamNet was alerted by one of its contributors and Consumer Protection has commenced an investigation", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"We are highly sceptical of this offer and strongly warn against any participation. For their $170 Australian consumers will probably only wind up with a worthless piece of paper, if that.

"It is not yet known if foreigners are even permitted to participate in land investments in Israel and Consumer Protection's inquiry is expanding to include that country's Consulate and various law enforcement agencies.

"Also of concern is the similarity of this offer being like that of undivided land shares in Australia some years ago which resulted in large consumer losses. No one knew which piece of land was his or hers when the investment went bad", he said.

WAScamNet monitors and profiles reported scams, launching investigations where appropriate and issuing public warnings about current scams and their mutations before they can impact on the local community.

Nigerian based money laundering scams top the list as public enemy number one with 1,718 cases being reported in just 8 months. So-called International Lotteries are second top with 128 cases reported.

WAScamNet assisted by vigilant consumers has received notification of 5,046 scams, spoiling the game for unscrupulous operators usually located offshore and out of legal reach.

"We are very pleased because so many scams are being detected. Pro-active warnings and education have saved consumers from being stung by Nigerian criminals.

"Thanks to WAScamNet's counter measures we have not had any complaints to date from consumers reporting they have lost money to Nigerian scams", he said.

Consumers are encouraged not to respond to any suspicious letter, fax or email and instead forward the item to WAScamNet:

Email: wascamnet@docep.wa.gov.au
Fax: 9282 0862
Post: WAScamNet, Consumer Protection, Reply Paid 64772, Cloisters Square WA 6850

Call 1300 30 40 54 for further information or assistance.