Andrews warns of overseas letters

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews has warned about an overseas letter telling consumers they will receive a "valuable" package if they send $43.95 to a New York shipping office.

Ms Andrews said consumers across the state recently had received letters from Digital Worldnet urging them to send the money within 11 days.

A "Shipping Control Claim Form" sent with the letter says the package contains designer jewellery, household and personal goods worth over $125,000.

"This is the latest scam trying to make consumers believe they will get something for nothing," Ms Andrews said.

"However, there is no New York shipping office, no valuable goods given away free, and no possibility of ever seeing your $43.95 again," she said.

The Digital Worldnet letter tried to pressure recipients by saying they must act urgently to receive the package.

It asked that credit card details be sent to an ironical address - Hicksville, New York.

NSW Fair Trading received hundreds of inquiries about these scams each year.

The government department is currently convening a national working party looking at steps that can be taken to reduce the amount of scam mail coming to Australia from overseas.

"The proper place for this material is in the bin," Ms Andrews said.

"Under no circumstances should people respond to this greedy overseas ripoff," she said.

For further information, contact Marie Andrews on 4342 4122.

September 18