Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 13 September 2001

Craft Assemblers Sewn Up

Local consumers are unwittingly entering into a scheme by responding to advertisements offering cash for craft.

Newspaper advertisements stating American companies need help to make craft products such as angel pins, picture frames, fridge magnets and bracelets have called on interested persons to write to a Kelmscott address.

In response, the interested person is sent a pamphlet and told to send a further $42.50 for more information.

Several consumers have complained that after sending their money they only received a poor quality catalogue in return.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said even after parting with money it was still up to the individual to make direct contact with the American companies listed in the catalogue, with the view to undertaking craft assembly work.

"The catch is that even after making contact locally, consumers are then required to send anywhere from ten dollars, to hundreds of dollars, to the USA to purchase a starter kit," Mr Walker said.

"The American website for National Consumers League advises that victims pay for kits, spend time making the crafts, and either the company does not buy back the crafts as promised, or there is no market for the finished product."

"The national Consumer League in America lists work-at-home schemes such as craft assembly work and envelope stuffing as the number one top fraud in the USA," Mr Walker said.

The sole agent in Western Australia has now given an undertaking to the Department not to continue to promote the business of Craft Assemblers or similar schemes.

Anyone with concerns should ring the Consumer Protection Call Centre during office hours on 1300 30 40 54 for the cost of a local call.