Scratch and Beware of Cards

The Department of Business and Consumer Services is advising Nova Scotians to carefully read the back of scratch-and-win cards that have recently been turning up in mailboxes across the province.

The Match Game 98 claims to offer cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, a big-screen television and $2,000 worth of "premium rewards certificates." After scratching two of seven boxes, which almost always result in a "winning pair," players are advised to call a 1-900 number to find out which prize they won.

In tiny print below the telephone number is crucial information:
there is a charge of $19.99 for the call. According to the odds listed in the contest rules, the prize is likely to be "premium rewards certificates," but there is no information as to what this means.

Nova Scotians are advised that if they wish to participate in this contest, and want to find out which prize they won, they must be prepared to pay for the call.

"We are not encouraging or discouraging anyone from participating," said Wayne Gaudet, Minister of Business and Consumer Services. "But Nova Scotians should be aware that participating will cost them $20, and the prize is likely to be some unknown certificates."