Issue Date:  -  Friday, 31 August 2001

Spanish Scam Warning

A scam involving unsolicited mail from overseas has resurfaced prompting Consumer Protection to issue a public warning.

The warning relates to letters that claim the recipient has won a cash prize in a Spanish lottery sweepstake, called El Gordo.

Although El Gordo is an authentic Spanish lottery, these letters are part of a scam that operates out of Madrid and Barcelona.

The letter claims there has been a mix up in lottery numbers and the consumer is poised to receive a substantial cash prize from a security company.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Pat Walker said the success rate of these types of scams was low but some people might be enticed by the promise of riches.

"Most people would just throw this type of letter in the bin but occasionally someone will think they have hit the jackpot. The reality is if they take it any further, they are throwing their money away."

The letter advises the recipient that they must make their claim before a certain date and they should keep the information top secret until the claim is confirmed.

They are then asked to telephone a claim agent, on an overseas telephone number, who will arrange to transfer the funds to an account of their choice.

Once bank account and personal details have been provided, the scam operators then send a request for money.

"We have seen this scam before, but recent inquiries from local consumers suggests WA is currently being targeted by the promoters," Mr Walker said.

"The scam had also been identified by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in New Zealand, which has issued a warning to its public."

Mr Walker said consumers should be especially wary about lotteries or competitions they had not entered.

Anyone receiving any correspondence, faxed or mailed, informing them of their supposed "win" should not respond in any way and inform Consumer Protection on telephone number 1300 30 40 54. (This number is charged at the cost of a local call from anywhere in WA).