Fake Sudanese scam hits Australia

Scam emails are flooding Australia again.

What is the Federal Government doing via ISPs to block these insidious emails which are financially destroying innocent Australian families?

Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully says: "It's time for the Federal government to act against these internet fraudsters who are ripping off innocent victims day after day".

This is the latest scam:

Hello Dear 

I know that this mail might come to you as a surprise because you don't know me and I don't know you too.

My name is Sana Mohamed Atif , I am 24 years old girl and an orphan from Sudan.

My late father Mr Mohamed Atif was the deputy general manager with CNPC oil company at Khartoum refinery in Sudan.

My late father was killed alongside with my beloved mother and our family house burnt down by the rebels during the last crisis in my country when Janjaweed militant came to our house, and this was what sent me away from my country to Burkina Faso as I made my escape only by God's special grace.

You can read more about my country in the bbc news

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6469857.stm 

I am constrained to contact you because of the maltreatment which I am receiving from my step mother.

She planned to take away all my late father's treasury and properties from me since the unexpected death of my beloved Father.

Meanwhile I wanted to travel to Europe, but she hide away my international passport and other valuable documents.

Luckily she did not discover where I kept my father's File which contained important documents.

Now I am presently staying in the Mission in Burkina Faso.

I am seeking for long term relationship and investment assistance.

My father of blessed memory deposited the sum of US$ 8.5 Million in one bank in Burkina Faso with my name as the next of kin.

I had contacted the Bank to clear the deposit but the Branch Manager told me that being a refugee, my status according to the local law does not authorize me to carry out the operation.

However, he advised me to provide a trustee who will stand on my behalf.

I had wanted to inform my stepmother about this deposit but I am afraid that she will not offer me anything after the release of the money. 

Therefore, I decide to seek for your help in transferring the money into your bank account while I will relocate to your country and settle down with you.

As you indicated your interest to help me I will give you the account number and the contact of the bank where my late beloved father deposited the money with my name as the next of kin.

It is my intention to compensate you with 20% of the total money for your assistance and the balance shall be my investment in any profitable venture which you will recommend to me as have no any idea about foreign investment.

Please all communications should be through this email address only for confidential purposes. 

Thanking you a lot in anticipation of your quick response.

I will send you details in my next email for you to know me well.

I am waiting for your reply,

Best regards,

Sana Mohamed

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Pineapple Fanta - what will Coca-Cola think of next?

PIC: Pineapple Fanta imported from South Africa


The Coca-Cola conglomerate has experimented with Lemon Coke, Lime Coke, Cherry Coke and Vanilla Coke and now their Fanta offerings include Pineapple flavour.

It is imported into Australia from South Africa by SAPRO Australia Pty Ltd.

It is available in Queensland at "Sweets" in the food court at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre for the princely sum of $2.60 for a 330ml can.

But don't rush out for a quick squiz.

Take it from me, this urine-coloured concoction tastes like pure, unadulterated c-r-a-p.

There's no mention on the can about any pineapple content so you could bet the Crown Jewels that it can be scientifically measured somewhere between Buckley's and none!

If you read the actual ingredients of this soft drink which include sodium, benzoate, sodium citrate and colourants including quinoline yellow and sunset yellow (whatever that is), it doesn't seem like the healthiest drink Coca-Cola has ever supplied for the Australian market.


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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National apology from East West Motor Inn Manager in South Australia for racial discrimination

It is a sobering advertisement on page 4 of today's Australian newspaper.

Brian Brew, the manager of the East West Motor Inn at Ceduna in South Australia makes a humiliating apology to Marjorie Strickland and members of her group who were denied accommodation on 4 December 2007 because of her Aboriginal race.

Anti-Discrimination laws have existed at state and federal level around Australia for decades and it is disappointing that Brian Brew discriminated in the way he did.

The Aboriginal people of Australia can only trust Brian Brew's public assertion today that he is "sincerely sorry for the grief, pain, embarrassment, and humiliation" which he admits he caused on that grim December day - a low point in Aboriginal reconciliation in Australia.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Fair Pay Commission should be renamed Unfair Pay Commission

With prices rising and the cost of living increasing, the decision by Australia's Fair Pay Commission to freeze wages for up to 12 months is a totally unjust decision.

This is the first time in 27 years that the minimum pay rate for Australian workers has been frozen.

The Fair Pay Commission is headed by Professor Ian Harper, the same buffoon who said when he was first appointed he would pray to God for divine intervention in his pay decisions.

Now, the Nutty Professor has ignored the submission of the Federal Government and sided with big industry, to deny any increase to Australia's lowest-paid workers.

Professor Harper earns $124,990 a year as the part-time Fair Pay Commissioner but thankfully he is quitting the Commission at the end of July, just in time before the unions tarred and feathered him.

The Federal Government is scrapping the Fair Pay Commission and replacing it with a system based on fairness, openness and accountability - not some crazy, knee-jerk process controlled by St Peter in heaven and controlled by disciple Harper.


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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EXCLUSIVE: Telstra in major backdown on overseas call centre in Manila

Following hundreds of complaints across Australia from individuals and major corporations, Telstra has scrapped its offshore paging call centre in downtown Manila in the Philippines.

Since January - except for a few exclusive Australian corporate clients who complained bitterly - all Telstra Memo calls were unanswered by poorly trained Filipino staff whose skills in Tagalog far exceeded their English language ability.

Telstra customers have complained non-stopped of messages with wrong numbers, wrong names, mis-spelt and confusing word combinations being received.
The past 6 months has been utter pandemonium for Telstra customers.

The offshore experiment - which saved a few dollars for Telstra and enabled them to pay their former CEO Sol Trujillo a King's Ransom each year - has been officially scrapped.

Telstra is reverting to an Ausralian-based 24/7 operation from early August.
Consumer Watch spokesman said Telstra's decision in January to scrap its Australian Memo paging serving operation was the strangest decision ever made by the telecommunications giant.

"Sanity has prevailed in Telstra only after they realised the magnitude of their stupidity," Paul Tully said.


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Great Caesar's Ghost: Paranormal or Paranoia - the Ghost of Rosewood is good for business

PIC: David Pahlke - Local councillor, publican and ghost buster!

When it comes to publicity, the publican of the Rosewood Hotel west of Ipswich, David Pahlke - who masquerades as the local councillor - has risen to the top of his profession.

In a grand stunt, he has called professional ghost busters into the pub who - surprise, surprise - came up with nothing but a few cold draughts blowing through the creaky windows and the usual dose of rising damp!

Things must be tough for Big Dave - who was the former postmaster at Rosewood before entering politics as a Moreton Shire Councillor - when he has to hire ghost busters from Brisbane to encourage a few more souls into the public bar.

David Pahlke is now a full-time Ipswich City Councillor on over a 100 grand a year while running the pub as a full-time job as well.

Locals are beginning to ask what is his main service to the people of Rosewood - being the local councillor, operating the local booze business or being the town's official ghost hunter?

They remember Dave's last failed attempt at local recognition when he named a park after himself and shot to prominence on national television with his ego stretching from Marburg to Grandchester.

He quickly had Pahlke Park renamed to avoid any further bad publicity on A Current Affair.

His greatest effort, however, was the Ipswich City Council Budget a couple of years ago when he turned up in a bright yellow suit with a Mafia-style violin case with you-know-what inside!

Mayor Paul Pisasale ordered him from the Council Chambers before the meeting. Since then, Pahlke has been known as The West Moreton Enforcer.

What sort of brain implosion occurred that day in Rosewood?

Imagine trying to sell a difficult budget to the people of Ipswich, with one of the Councillors dressed like the Mafia ready to extort money from the people.

Paranormal or paranoia - you be the judge of Rosewood's own Municipal Publican Spook.

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Tony Abbott MP supports smoking in cars with children

Whatever you think of his politics, Tony Abbott MP, former Federal Health Minister has shown his true uncaring attitude with his opposition to laws prohibiting smoking in cars with young children inside.

US studies show that just 2 cigarettes smoked in a closed vehicle will cause toxin levels to exceed 70 times the normal safe level.

Pity the poor kids - including babies - forced to inhale these dangerous fumes from their uncaring parents puffing away to their hearts' content.

Tony Abbott should be ashamed of himself for his stance on this issue which is utterly disgraceful and which embarrassingly contributes to an unhealthy Australia.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Woolworths and Caltex ripping off Ipswich customers again!

Mr Ken Markwell from the Ipswich suburb of Leichhardt has rung to say that on Sunday 28 June 2009, petrol at the Woolworths Caltex at Brassall in Ipswich was $1.21/litre.

5 hours later at the Caltex Woolworths servo in Warwick, it was $1.08/litre and has been for the past 5 weeks.

Typical price gouging which will get worse from today!

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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MOBIL CREEK ROAD MT GRAVATT: 114.9 cents per litre this afternoon. What price in a week's time as motorists face major price gouging in Queensland?

Ipswich becomes the first City in Queensland to ban circuses with exotic animals

At today's Ipswich City Council meeting, Ipswich became the first Council in Queensland to ban circuses with caged exotic animals.

There are now 43 Councils around Australia which have banned animal circuses.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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MEDIA RELEASE: Queensland on Red Alert over possible petrol price profiteering

The abolition of the Queensland fuel subsidy at midnight on 30 June may lead to unlawful profiteering.

The State Government has warned the ACCC to be on red alert across the state to stop motorists from being caught in a gigantic ripoff by oil companies.

Queensland Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully said the eyes and ears of Queensland would be on full alert on Wednesday.

"Oil companies have been sucking the motoring public dry for years and it's time they were held accountable for their legalised extortion," Paul Tully said.

Queensland Consumer Watch
Coordinator
Paul Tully LLB JP(Qual)
PO Box 1
18 Queen St
Goodna QLD 4300

Tel:      07 3818 6900
Fax:     07 3818 1099
Email:  QueenslandConsumerWatch@gmail.com
Web:    www.QueenslandConsumerWatch.com

"Queensland Consumer Watch - Advocating for consumers across Queensland."

This is a full copy of a Media Release issued by the State Government:

Joint Statement:
Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading
The Honourable Peter Lawlor

28/06/2009

Premier puts ACCC on red alert over fuel subsidy 

Premier Anna Bligh has warned the ACCC to be on red alert and said a Queensland team of investigators have been monitoring petrol prices in the run up to the cessation of the fuel subsidy on Wednesday.

The fuel subsidy will cease from midnight 30 June and the price of fuel can be expected to rise on Wednesday 1 July.

Ms Bligh said she had spoken personally to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Chairman Graeme Samuel this week.

"I have concerns that the oil companies will seek to profiteer in the wake of the scheme's cessation and have asked Mr Samuel to put his staff on red alert," said the Premier.

Ms Bligh said State Government investigators have been monitoring petrol prices across the state in the lead up to the post-subsidy period.

"We will continue to do that in the coming months as intelligence is gathered from industry and other bodies on any abnormal price rises," she warned.

"I will be making arrangements for this data to be given directly to the ACCC to use in any prosecutions they may launch where inappropriate pricing or illegal activity is identified.

"We will do everything in our power to make sure that the ACCC has the information they need to prevent these companies taking advantage of Queensland families in already difficult economic times.

"The Pincus report into the fuel subsidy last year said that well over $100 million out of the subsidy every year was not going to the benefit of the Queensland consumers," she said.

"What the report showed was that, on average, consumers were only getting 6 cents benefit from the subsidy - any rise above that and companies have got some explaining to do.

"That means the oil companies were effectively pick pocketing money from Queenslanders using the fuel subsidy as their shield.

"I am determined that we are not going to let the big oil companies mug the consumer in broad daylight now that the shield is gone.

"Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor also said fuel companies and service stations should be warned that profiteering removal of the fuel subsidy on 1 July will not be tolerated.

"I'm taking this opportunity to place service station operators on notice that they should not try and use the abolition of the fuel subsidy to jack up prices," Mr Lawlor said.

"Unfortunately the rise will occur about the same time within the normal weekly price cycle that service station operators tend to raise the price of fuel anyway.

"However, I am warning operators that I will not hesitate to name and shame any operator who takes advantage of the abolition to try and make further profit, particularly in these tough economic times.

"I urge consumers to shop around for the best prices, take advantage of the weekly price cycle where it operates, and buy fuel early in the week when prices tend to be lowest.

"Mr Lawlor said he urged any consumer who believed service stations operators were inappropriately increasing the price of fuel to lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading.

"While I appreciate there are a large number of factors which can influence the price of fuel, including the price of crude oil and exchange rates, service station operators need to be fair in their dealings with the public," he said.

If consumers believe fuel operators are ripping them off they can lodge a complaint by calling the Office of Fair Trading hotline number (07) 3115 1783 or by logging on to www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Online search of real estate agents and other key professions launched in Queensland

The Queensland Government is launching a major initiative on 1 July with an online search facility of registered real estate agents, pawnbrokers, debt collectors, travel agents and other key service providers.

Queensland Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully described the initiative as a tremendous advance for consumers.

"This will go a long way to weeding out shonky, unregistered agents who continue to fleece the community across the state."

This is a full copy of the Ministerial Media Release issued by the Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading Peter Lawlor:

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading

The Honourable Peter Lawlor

28/06/2009

Online licence search launched

In the past year more than 40 people in Queensland have been disciplined or prosecuted by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for failing to be properly licensed.

OFT investigators have taken action against eight security providers, 20 real estate agents and 14 motor dealers who have been operating in Queensland without the relevant licence.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said dealing with unlicensed operators such as motor dealers, security providers and real estate agents placed consumers and businesses at risk.

"Licensing ensures operators meet minimum standards of competency for those industries regulated by OFT," he said.

"There are several occupations regulated by OFT and by law they are required to be licensed before they can work in Queensland," Mr Lawlor said.

Occupations regulated by OFT include real estate, motor dealing, auctioneers, second-hand dealers, pawnbrokers as well as security providers, travel agents and debt collectors.

"These licences are a safeguard for consumers and businesses and ensure that those people working in the industries are reputable and operate with a high level of professionalism," he said.

Consumers and businesses will soon be able to search an online register to check if the people or firms they are dealing with are licensed, which is important for consumer confidence.

"From 1 July an online search facility of licence holders will be available on the OFT website," Mr Lawlor said.

"The register will be a free online service and will list all licence holders under the:

• Introduction Agents Act 2001
• Property Agents and Motor Dealers Act 2000
• Second-hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2003
• Security Providers Act 1993
• Tourism Services Act 2003
• Travel Agents Act 1988

Consumers and businesses will be able to search for a licence holder's name or their licence number to check if they hold the appropriate licence.

The online search facility will be available at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Federal Court action launched against Cabcharge by ACCC

Cabcharge - Australia's non-cash payment monopoly for taxis and hire cars - is facing long overdue action by the ACCC in the Federal Court.
The ACCC has launched the action alleging 10 breaches of the Trade Practices Act.

Cabcharge faces penalties of $10 million per contravention plus a pecuniary penalty of 10% of its annual turnover for each contravention.

Cabcharge's revenue for the last financial year was $173 million.

That's a total potential penalty of $273 million.

A spokeswoman for Cabcharge Tracey Cain said: "Cabcharge always behaves appropriately".

Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully says: "We'll see".

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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WARNING: eBay ripoff by 14 year old girl exposed in Ipswich District Court

A sophisticated $44,000 eBay scam by a 14 year old teenager from Crescent Head in New South Wales had its sequel in the Ipswich District Court when the girl, now 16, was found guilty and placed on probation for two years.

The Brisbane Courier-Mail gives a full account of the case at http://tinyurl.com/ebayripoff

eBay spokesman on the case Daniel Feiler provides no real satisfaction for consumers that there interests will be protected by the online superstore.

What is really disturbing is the claim by one victim that eBay unlawfully gave the fraudster the mobile number of the victim who then received up to 21 calls a day from the fraudster.

Consumer Watch spokesman Paul Tully said it's time for eBay to ramp up its initial identification and consumer protection policies.

"eBay is a giant money-making machine for some unscrupulous operators and eBay should be doing everything it can to eliminate this online fraud."


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Domino's, Eagle Boys and Nando's fail our children

Domino's, Eagle Boys Pizza and chicken chain Nando's have failed to sign up to the new voluntary code of advertising which bans junk food ads aimed at children.

Voluntary codes are never as strong as enforceable laws but is a major step in the right direction for McDonald's, KFC, Hungry Jack's, Red Rooster, Oporto and Chicken Treat signing up for the new deal.

Domino's, Eagle Boys and Nando's have failed the next generation of Australians.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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7-Eleven Store at Redbank Plains fined for consumer ripoff

The Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor has commented on the $4000 fine in the Ipswich Magistrates Court against the 7-Eleven Store at Redbank Plains.

This is another pro-active move by the State Government to help Queensland consumers.

This is the text of the Minister's Media Release:

Minister for Tourism and Fair Trading

The Honourable Peter Lawlor

24/06/2009

7-Eleven store fined for false price scans

The operator of a 7-Eleven convenience store at Redbank Plains has been fined $4000 in the Ipswich Magistrates Court for overcharging on products.

Minister for Fair Trading Peter Lawlor said the store, managed by Shree Salasar Balaji Pty Ltd, was charging more for products than their listed shelf price.

"Fair Trading officers conducted a random spot-check on the store in 2008 and discovered a number of products being overcharged," Mr Lawlor said.

"A follow-up visit later last year revealed that despite the original problems being rectified, further products were being overcharged relative to their shelf price.

"The substantial punishment underlines to retailers the importance of ensuring their scanning systems are accurate.

"Consumers need to feel comfortable when making purchasing decisions that they are being treated fairly."

Mr Lawlor encouraged consumers to watch carefully when their items were scanned at the checkout and question any prices that appeared to be incorrect.

"Keep your eyes on the scanner, check your dockets and if you think there's a problem, talk to the attendant or manager," he said.

"If the store operates under the voluntary Code of Practice for Computerised Systems in Supermarkets, you may even be entitled to receive an incorrectly scanned product for free."

Mr Lawlor said the prosecution comes as the Office of Fair Trading hosted a recent forum on price scanning with 25 retail industry representatives.

"The forum provided an opportunity to discuss price scanning issues and identify solutions to any problems retailers are experiencing," he said.

"Fair Trading is committed to working with retailers on these issues however it will pursue enforcement action when consumers are misled.

"Maximum penalties for breaching the Queensland Fair Trading Act 1989 range from $54,000 for an individual to $270,000 for corporations.

Mr Lawlor urged consumers who were unable to resolve a problem with a store to contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04 or visit its website at www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au for more information.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Ian Craig - doyen of Australian horse racing - calls his last race

Ian Craig - race caller and entertainer for over 40 years - signed off for the last time today at Gosford.

Congratulations. Well done Ian.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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The Australian Rusty Ute Affair - a load of unmitigated claptrap!

The Rusty Ute Affair would have to be the biggest beat up by an Opposition since Federation.

John Grant - founder of the so-called 51 Club because he was born in 1951 - has been embroiled in one of the nastiest charades and personal attacks ever launched in Federal Parliament.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale sums up the 51 Club as just a loose group of bipartisan mates born in 1951 - or thereabouts who share a common birth year.

Yet, Malcolm Turnbull suggests they are a group of shady, untrustworthy, political operatives.

John Grant is a thoroughly decent and honourable corporate citizen of Ipswich.

His word is his bond and his trademark is his unwavering honesty and his ethical behaviour.

Malcolm Turnbull - egged on by Liberal pugilist clowns from Sydney's North Shore - has descended into the bottom of a cesspit to scrape up dirt on John Grant as part of his unproven attack on the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan.
Politics at its worst is the only way to describe this dark side of the Federal Opposition.

Kevin Rudd, Wayne Swan and John Grant will triumph out of this debacle and Malcolm Turnbull will be left lamenting with no chance of ever recovering politically.

Malcolm should have stuck with the Australian Republican Movement where his quaint combination of individual capitalism and socialist principles left true republicans perpetually gobsmacked!


P.S. Cr Paul Tully turns 58 tomorrow. Will he get a free Rusty Ute as a birthday present for his honorary membership of the 51 Club in Ipswich?


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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CONSUMER WARNING: Another Hong Kong email scam threatens Aussie internet users

Another internet email scam has hit Australia with the promise of untold riches.

Please warn everyone you know of this scam, especially people who are new to the internet and unfamiliar with email scams who may be tempted by this fraudulent offer of $AU18.6 million.

It really is time for the Australian Government to use its legislative powers to force ISPs to block this sort of online fraud which ends up stripping the bank accounts of unsuspecting internet users.

If the Government can stop illegal internet pornography, it can stop this sort of fraudulent activity which financially destroys untold numbers of individual Australians and their families.

This is a copy of the latest phoney email scam:

From: chaowei barryk.cj@bellnet.ca

Subject: HELLO

I am MR CHAOWEI,bank of china {hongkong},I have a business proposal of (us$18,600.000.00) for you in my bank.

for more information email
chao.wei1@btinternet.com


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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BLOODY HOPELESS

Iran is arguing over an election, America is arguing with North Korea over nuclear weapons while Australia argues over a rusty old ute.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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CONSUMER WATCH: New email scam warning.

A new internet email scam has hit Australia overnight with a bogus cash prize of more than £1.86 million.

It's time for the Australian Government to use its legislative powers to force ISPs to block this sort of online fraud which ends up stripping the bank accounts of unsuspecting internet users.

If the Government can stop illegal internet pornography, it can stop this sort of fraudulent activity which financially destroys untold numbers of individual Australians and their families.

This is a copy of the latest phoney email scam:

From: Su.Fahy@wlv.ac.uk

Subject: Cash on file: £1,856,652

Dear Email owner,

Your email address on SERIAL No:472-9768-79 has won a total cash prize of £1,856,652 Great British Pounds in our New Email random selection.

Please contact the claims officer for more information,

Also provide listed information,
Names___________
Address___________
Age___________
Occupation________
Phone no____________
Country__________

Claims Officer: Mr. Michael Brown

Email:uknl_claimsunit@administrativos

comphone: +44 703 190 5559

Mr fahy Su

THE PROMOTION COORDINATOR


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Cadbury gets its P's and Q's right but makes a fool of itself over its advertising

PIC: The revised Cadbury TV ad with the apostrophe surreptitiously removed this week.

Following a flood of calls to Cadbury about the incorrect use of an apostrophe in the word "it's" at the bottom of their boring television advertisement, the offending little fleck has been quietly removed on all its ads around Australia.

Last week, it read "IT'S", this week it's "ITS".

Cadbury has paid a fortune to its advertising agency to get this basic sort of stuff right.

It's a fair bet that the problem was caused by some half-educated dumb ass from the advertising agency who wouldn't know his pronoun from his past tense.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Sophisticated internet scam hits CUA

This would have to be the most-sophisticated internet scam to hit Australia in the past 24 hours.

Tens of thousands of emails have been sent from the authentic-looking email address of cust_serv@cua.com.au

The email reads:


Dear Credit Union Australia member, 

We are sorry to inform you that your account is temporarily suspended due to unusual activity that was noticed in the last few days in your account,you must take action at once, and verify some of your information you have on file with us.

Click here to verify your information.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter!

© 2009 Credit Union Australia


If unsuspecting internet users click on the bogus link, it takes them to what looks exactly like the CUA logon page which enables the perpetrators to access people's accounts, once they get the logon details and password willingly provided by CUA members who don't realise they are being scammed.

Within minutes, they could strip all of the funds out of an account.

Kevin Rudd should exercise his powers under Commonwealth law to shut down websites and ISPs which allow this sort of fraudulent activity to be stopped in its tracks.

If the Federal government can stop internet pornography, it can stop this sort of fraud which hurts hundreds of struggling Australian families every week.


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Woolworths' double price ripoff - the battlers of Australia lose again

PICS: Woolworths multiple price ripoff in full swing.


Just when Woolworths is coming out of the economic doldrums, it has staged a gigantic ripoff of battlers across Australia by refining an American-style marketing blitz designed to gouge more dollars than ever out of struggling families.

Have a close look at the above pictures.

They all appear in one of Woolworths Ipswich stores, 40km west of Brisbane.

The first Multibuys picture is for 3 packs of ice creams for $15 which is an even $5 a packet. But if you buy a single packet - which is the most many families can afford in a week - you are slugged $5.99 or 19.8% more, for the privilege.

But it doesn't stop there. The sign proudly proclaims a saving of $2.97 for the 3-pack buy. Nothing about the 99c ripoff for a single pack buy!

Look at the pizza ripoff in the next picture. Two pizzas for $10 which should mean $5 each. Don't be so quick with your sums because Woolies will force you to pay $6.79 for a single pizza.

This is a whopping ripoff of 35.8% above the true single price of $5 dollars. But according to Woolworths, you save $3.58 for buying two of these fat-laden offerings.

The deception continues with their Nestle Ice Cream pack which costs $12 for two.

No, it's not $6 for one but a massive $7.49 or 24.8% above the correct half price.

None of this is a genuine discount for volume buying. It is just a price slug for battlers who can often afford only one item or who only want one item.

It is a reprehensible marketing ploy by Woolworths who are not helping battlers in these tough economic times but ripping them off, hand over fist.

Consumer Watch recommends consumers vote with their feet and their hip pocket.

Send Woolworths a message: Don't buy 2, don't buy 1, don't buy any!


PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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Mars loses Federal Court case over chocolate balls

Fresh from its insult of Australian consumers by dropping the size of its famous Mars bar and other similar offerings with no corresponding price reduction, Mars has suffered a major rebuff in the Federal Court of Australia.

The confectionery giant tried to stop its competitor Sweet Rewards from selling Malt Balls which Mars claimed was deceptively similar to Malteesers.

Justice Nye Perram booted Mars out of centre court declaring that Australian chocolate consumers would never mistake a Malt Ball for a Malteeser.

Mars lost the case and was also ordered to pay Sweet Rewards considerable legal costs.

Mars has become too big for its own boots in the Australian confectionery industry and Justice Perram's decision is both a sensible and salutary decision to this rip-off chocolate bar merchant.

PAUL TULLY: paul@tully.org.au

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