WA households have begun receiving scam mail in the form of glossy travel brochures that contain two fake scratchies, with one showing a $US200,000 win.

It’s a long-running scam from Malaysia that 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.

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’.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard reminds people to be wary of scams that not only come to them via phone, email and social media; but 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,” Mr Hillyard 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 process of verifying the winner’s identity tempts people to reveal personal information that may be used later to steal their identity.

“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.”

Previous warnings on this scam include:

• Get it On Holiday
• Nova Victory Travel
• Thumbs Up Travel 11th Anniversary
• Flaming Ace Holiday 11th Anniversary
• Greenery Holiday 10th Anniversary
• Tunes Travelling 9th Anniversary
• Sentosa Traveling Group / Enjoi Vacation / Phantasi Holiday/ Lavender Holiday

Further scam information is available on the WA ScamNet website www.scamnet.wa.gov.au. To report a scam, email wascamnet@dmirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Alan Hynd, (08) 6552 9248 / 0429 078 791 / alan.hynd@dmirs.wa.gov.au  

Malaysian travel brochure and fake scratchie scam - Kodak Moment Tourism

Malaysian travel brochure and scratchie scam - Historics Tour