Leading consumer goods giant Unilever has urged consumers to beware of a hoax OMO competition that has come to the company’s attention.
The scam involves consumers receiving an sms or e-mail with a notification that they have won a specified sum of money from OMO washing powder.
Consumers are prompted to claim their prize using the reference and contact numbers provided.
To redeem their winnings, consumers are requested to furnish their banking details and to deposit monies into an account that will secure their prize.
“Our call center has been inundated with calls from victims of the scam, consumers are urged to be vigilant at all times and are encouraged not to act on receipt of such smses,” said Unilever SA’s Marketing Director for Laundry, Shaadia Vawda.
“Unilever takes such scams seriously and thorough investigations are being conducted to ensure that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
We will never request consumers to deposit money after winning a competition or require a winner to send banking details via sms.”
She said that in the case of any competitions run by Unilever, all winners will be contacted by Unilever representatives individually and winners will not be expected to pay any administration or transactional fees. OMO has given away prizes over the years to the value of more than R20 million without ever asking for money in return for a prize.
Criminals are using the OMO brand to take money from hard-working South Africans, including pensioners, so Unilever strongly advises consumers to spread the word to friends and family.
The best way to stop the problem is for more people to be aware and vigilant.
Consumers are advised that all competitions and promotions by Unilever will always be advertised through appropriate print, media and online channels intended to engage consumers on issues that matter to them.
“Consumers are at the very heart of our business and we will do everything in our power to protect them and safeguard their interests,” said Vawda.
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