In the lead-up to Christmas, SCAMwatch warns consumers to be wary of advance fee fraud scams disguised as 'winnings'.
Several consumers have received unsolicited letters, some even with a Christmas theme envelope, containing an attractive brochure promoting a travel agency and two scratchies.
SCAMwatch understands that the two enclosed scratch cards sent to various recipients reveal the same results. One card will deliver the second prize 'winning' of US$150 000 and the other card will not contain any winnings.
However, to claim the 'prize', the recipients are told to send $3275 to pay for 'transfer' fees.
SCAMwatch notes this scam is similar to another unsolicited mail-out targeting Western Australian consumers earlier this year by the Malaysia Starize Travelling Group.
Protect yourself
Be suspicious of any unexpected prizes received via unsolicited letters, emails or telemarketing.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Ask yourself: if I have won so much money why don't they take the money from my winnings?
Tell your family and friends about this scam, especially if English is not their first language.
Don't send money to anyone you don't know and trust.
Report
Report the matter to the ACCC's Infocentre on 1300 302 502 or visit the report a scam page in SCAMwatch.