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5/1/11 – DNA testing kits – Seven News Perth

5/1/11 – DNA testing kits – Seven News Perth

Presenter:
Success, wealth and love are being offered by the latest mail scam which claims it can change your life by using your DNA, but Consumer Protection is warning the only change will be to your bank balance.

Reporter:
The kits are convincing enough to fool even medical professionals.

Associate Professor Richard Allcock, University of WA:
This kit looks like a first generation DNA collection kit.

Reporter:
But what they promise though is science fiction.

Associate Professor Richard Allcock, University of WA:
You find out information about your laziness, your success, your luck and your skill.  Straight off the bat, that’s false.

Reporter:
The offer – mail off a saliva swab and receive a detailed blueprint of your genetic code.  Information it’s claimed will increase our wealth, luck, intelligence, romance, even reverse the ageing process.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll:
These sorts of claims are ludicrous.

Reporter:
The kits were sent from China, 200 have been seized by Australia Post.  This letter asks for credit card details and a $40 processing fee.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll:
It is I think a hook in that all of us are curious about our DNA.

Reporter:
The advice from Consumer Protection, throw it in the bin.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection:
You are potentially seeing, one, $39.99 going down the drain, and two, the misuse of your credit card.