Samsung Electronics SA has issued a warning to consumers about a false competition and hoax that is currently doing the rounds in South Africa using its brand.
The company says the hoax is falsely using the Samsung name in an aim to entice consumers to deposit a nominal fee in order to claim the prize of a 2012 Model Ford Fiesta vehicle.
It says consumers are receiving letters and SMS notifications, informing them that they have won a 2012 Model Ford Fiesta in an ongoing Samsung Mobile (Pty) Ltd. random selection lotto. However, in order to receive the vehicle, consumers need to pay a fee for the car and e-toll registration as well as insurance, amounting to the value of R3 970. The letter states that once payment is made, the vehicle will be delivered within 72 working hours.
Says Michelle Potgieter, head of corporate marketing and communications at Samsung SA: “I would like to reiterate that Samsung is not running any such competition in association with Ford – it is a hoax and we encourage consumers not to act on receipt of such a letter, despite the authentic look and feel of the documentation, which even includes a motor vehicle conveyance agreement. Please rather report this immediately to Samsung’s call centre on 0860 726 7864 so we can be kept abreast of the extent of the hoax and work with our legal department and the necessary police channels to ensure this matter can be effectively investigated and stopped.”
Potgieter says that all competitions and promotions undertaken by Samsung Electronics South Africa will always be displayed on the company’s web site www.samsung.com.