media release

DATE 6/03/09

Deceptive Scratchy Tickets

“It appears that some companies are employing more and more deceptive practices in an effort to make a profit be it for the long term or just the short term.” Senator Helen Polley said.

Recently, one company had been issuing free scratchy tickets with the chance of winning up to $50,000 or a multitude of other prizes, including televisions, computer play stations and mobile phones.

Senator Polley warned – beware of the fine print! Upon closer inspection you find that in order to redeem the prize you must SMS your code to the company, which automatically subscribes you to receive their product at a minimum cost equalling $2 per day.

The glittering gold and treasure chests on the front obscure the truth behind the promotion, which is to have you subscribed and paying for a service you don’t need, want or enjoy and to be paying more than you may be able to afford before you ever realise that you have been signed up.

For example, if you responded to their promotion at the start of the month, received their service at $2 per day and then received your mobile phone bill more than one month later, you could have been charged close to $70 before you ever realised. In this day and age of tight finances and high expenses who could afford such unnecessary costs, according to Senator Polley.

Such deceptive marketing tactics only serve to make the quick buck from consumers and ultimately set you as the consumer up to lose more than you gain. “So please, beware and always read the fine print!” said Senator Polley

For additional comments, please do not hesitate to contact Sancia Colgrave on (03) 6331 2599.