spot a scam - Consumer and Business Services - SA.gov.au

InternationalAuthority of scamsFinal Attempt To NotifyB Scam Smart13 Beat the Cheats AveSmartville 3390What should you do if you think it's a scam?Be scam smartContact Consumer Affairs before responding to any offer.This may help prevent you and others from being ripped offby scam operators.Ph: 8204 9777Country callers: 131 882www.ocba.sa.gov.auTypical scamsNigerian LetterA Nigerian business orgovernment official will spin ayarn saying that they need totransfer funds from Nigeria toAustralia. They request yourhelp, and so if you allow themto transfer the funds into youraccount you will be rewardedwith a share of the milliondollar bonanza. Never sendmoney to cover the costs forthe processing fee as you maynever see your money again.Do not send your bank accountdetails either as you will findyour account totally cleanedout within days. Similar lettersare sent about funds in otherAfrican nations.Overseas lotteriesWhatever claims the promotermay make about the lottery,overseas lotteries are illegal inAustralia. They claim that thechances of winning are greaterwith overseas lotteries, butthey take your money withouteven buying tickets for thelottery.Unexpected windfallYou receive a letter telling youthat you've won a prize whichcan only be claimed if you paya "processing fee". You shouldnot have to pay for somethingthat you have won, otherwiseyou are either buying theproduct (usually a cheapimitation of what is offered) orthe scam operator simply takesyour money and you neverhear from them again.