AUTHORITIES have warned of a growing wave of fraudulent “scratch and win” promotions targeting consumers — particularly the elderly — after a steep increase in complaints linked to misleading lucky draw schemes and high-pressure sales tactics.
The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) said such schemes, often marketed as “lucky draw”, “100th customer” or “scratch and win” campaigns, would be treated as offences where they involve scams or deceptive practices aimed at consumers.
Government data showed that 30 cases were recorded within the first three months of this year alone, effectively translating to one consumer falling victim every three days.
The surge marks a dramatic rise from just six complaints recorded in 2022, while 99 complaints were lodged throughout last year.
According to the ministry, victims are commonly approached in public places and encouraged to scratch tickets deliberately designed to ensure they appear to have “won” prizes, including cash rewards or luxury items.
Consumers are then pressured into paying so-called processing charges, taxes or hidden fees, or persuaded to purchase products sold at inflated and unreasonable prices.
“We view this seriously as senior citizens are a vulnerable group that is more exposed to psychological manipulation and have limitations in accessing information and digital technology,” the ministry said.
Authorities said investigations found that many promotions relied on misleading claims suggesting consumers had automatically won prizes, despite hidden conditions attached to the offers.
Among the tactics identified were undisclosed minimum purchase requirements, additional payments, vague redemption procedures and unclear terms and conditions.
The ministry also highlighted aggressive sales pressure, with victims often being forced to make immediate purchasing decisions without being given adequate time to consider the offer or verify its legitimacy.
Under Malaysian law, such conduct may violate provisions under the Consumer Protection Act and the Trade Descriptions Act, both of which prohibit false prize offers, misleading advertising, deceptive promotional tactics and inaccurate trade descriptions.
The ministry stressed that it has the authority to conduct investigations and inspections against businesses suspected of engaging in unethical promotional practices.
“If there is sufficient evidence of violations, compounds or prosecutions can be initiated in court, with offenders facing fines or imprisonment,” it said.
Authorities added that monitoring and enforcement operations at business premises had been intensified and legal action would continue against traders found exploiting consumers.
At the same time, the ministry said it was expanding consumer awareness and advocacy programmes, particularly for senior citizens, to help the public identify suspicious promotional tactics before becoming victims.
Consumers were advised to carefully examine all terms and conditions attached to promotional campaigns, including eligibility requirements, redemption rules and participation limits.
“Keep the receipts, advertisements and all related communications as proof when you submit official complaints,” the ministry said.
The public was also warned against making payments or purchases solely based on promises of prizes without independently verifying the conditions attached to the offer.
“Do not disclose banking information or transfer money to unknown individuals, especially when approached with suspicious offers involving upfront payments,” the ministry said. - May 9, 2026
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