Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 27 March 2003

1900 stolen property fax scheme

Consumers need to be alert for another 1900 fax scheme originating from England advising of recovered stolen property for public sale by Police and Government Departments.

This warning comes on the eve of an unscrupulous English trader running a 1900 fax poll about the war with Iraq which cost some Australian consumers up to $55 per call and prompted a warning from the Minister for Consumer Protection yesterday.

This time a Bristol company is sending faxes to WA consumers encouraging them to use a 1900 `fax back' system that costs $5.50 per minute to obtain a guide in order to buy so-called bargains.

It is the same Bristol company behind both the War Poll and Stolen Goods 1900 fax schemes.

"1900 fax retrieval systems have us very concerned as they can run very slowly and cost the consumer dearly", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"We believe that the way the numbers are promoted is to throw consumers off their guard about 1900 services.

"For example, the fax scheme regarding the Iraq war grouped its first three digits as 190 as a prequel to lodging a vote for or against the war.

"The stolen goods fax back scheme is promoting things such as vehicles, office equipment and electrical goods that are probably not even in Australia, although their prices are quoted in dollars.

1900 fax retrieval systems that charge per minute are not illegal provided they comply with relevant Communications Regulations and show their name and the cost per minute in their material. It is highly dubious if Australian consumers can even participate and would be paying large sums for a worthless product guide.

"Don't respond to any fax back offers that are generated from overseas is our strong advice", Mr. Walker said.

Send suspicious faxes to Consumer Protection's WA ScamNet on 9282 0862.