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Wednesday October 13, 2010
Come to consumer tribunal, scratch-and-win victims told
JOHOR BARU: Victims of scratch-and-win scams should file complaints with the Consumer Claims Tribunal to try and get their money back, said it’s chairman Pretam Singh. He said people who had been conned could lodge their cases with the tribunal by only paying RM5. “They can file a case here and hopefully, it will help them get their money back and stop these syndicates from operating freely,” he told reporters at the consumer claims tribunal court here yesterday. Pretam said that although representatives from the syndicates rarely showed up during the tribunal hearing, they could be charged under Section 117 of the Consumer Protection Act if they did not adhere to the order served on them.
“If they fail to abide by the tribunal’s decision, they are liable to a fine of up to RM5,000, two years’ jail or both,” he said. Pretam said 67 cases relating to scratch-and-win syndicates were filed at the tribunal this year alone but there were still many victims who had yet to come forward. “These 67 are victims in Johor Baru alone and the number is quite staggering,” he said.
Pretam said that so far this year, victims had been cheated of RM359,392 in such scams, adding that more people were being conned each day. “Consumers need to be more cautious. All we can do is advise them to be aware and not be greedy when offered such unbelievable prizes.” He also said the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry was already conducting investigations to clamp down on scratch-and-win syndicates.
