CRUEL CHAIN LETTER HOAX HITS QUEENSLAND BUSINESS

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today warned Queensland businesses not to take part in a new chain letter scam.

“The chain letter urges businesses to send ‘With Compliments’ slips to John Craggs, a terminally-ill boy who is trying to break a world record for receiving the most ‘With Compliments’ slips,” Mrs Keech said.

“The letter, which has been around for years, has been exposed as a hoax.

“Businesses are urged to forward the letter on their own letterhead to twelve other organisations.

“Some businesses have even forwarded gifts along with their ‘With Compliments’ slips.

“The return address for compliments slips is a Western Australian school, who have so far received thousands of unwanted replies.

“They’ve had to throw out all the letters and return any gifts received.

“The letter is proving to be a nuisance. It is not only a waste of time,but plays on people’s emotions and sympathies.”

Mrs Keech reminded Queenslanders that chain letters are illegal in Queensland, and people found participating face fines of up to $40,500 for individuals and $202,500 for companies.

“In 2005, over 40,000 letters were seized and the Office of Fair Trading sought enforceable undertakings for 45 Queenslanders following a nation-wide investigation into the notorious 'David Rhodes' chain letter,” Mrs Keech said.

“The letter from 'David Rhodes' claimed to turn an investment of $218 into $78,185 within the first 60 days of operating the 'business plan' outlined in the letter. However, the letter was nothing more than a rip-off.

“If you receive a chain letter, the best thing you can do is throw it in the bin or send it to your local Office of Fair Trading so we can warn other consumers about it."

Contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04 to report new scams and suspicious offers, or visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au for more information on common scams.

Inquiries: David Smith 3225 1005 or Olivia Nemeth (OFT) 3119 0067