Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A Belgian journalist uncovers the fraud of the 'call-tv'

The phone competitions have always been under suspicion is nothing new. The funny thing is that finally someone has succeeded in showing the likely fraud. The architect of the imminent end of the 'call-tv' in Belgium is Maxime De Winne, a reporter of the 'Enough', the Flemish public broadcaster VRT, who infiltrated as a presenter at two venues for these features. But what were the findings of his research?

De Winne spent six months of life (four of them as a presenter "spy") to show that the night show VTM and 2BE, two channels of Flanders, proposing riddles that were impossible to solve. In addition, as evidenced by the hidden camera that made these formats hiding warnings and allowed viewers to participate under 18 in violation of the laws.

The procedure used these two programs to "trick" systematically contestants was very simple and well known to most ordinary mortals. The presenter encouraged them to call a phone number which charges amounted to the equivalent of $2 and then after falling into the "trap", they reported no successful solution to the enigma. Thus, in one year, those responsible for this alleged fraud pocketed 12 million euros. What a shame!

Although discredited spaces VTM and 2BE (withdrawn immediately by the media company that encompasses both channels VMMa), which produces Endemol Belgium, have complained that VRT lies, the political reactions are not waiting.

Carl Devli, Belgian State Secretary for the fight against fraud, has said that if in the future "things do not improve" will be prohibited entry competitions, following the example of Holland.

As if this threat was not enough for those responsible for the 'call-tv' is cast to shake, Etienne Marique, chairman of the Gaming Commission, said that fund would be governed these formats. However, they also added that the complaints it receives its authority for these programs are "relatively limited compared to other games."

The most serious of these facts is that, apparently, the 'call-tv' VTM and 2BE years have taken advantage of people with low socioeconomic status who wanted to earn money quickly and easily.

This morning law enforcement offers took action against scam letters in England. Apparently a lot originate from America President Barak Obama.  You are told that you have one a prize and you are asked to send a processing small fee. If you fall for the confidence trick your name and address we be sold to other scammers!

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