From The Office of the Prize Award Administrator

If you've chanced upon this article, it probably means you typed in "UOB cardmembers", "99% disqualified", "Reader's Digest", or "guaranteed chance of winning S$200 000".

Recently, my friend's father received a letter from UOB (in an official UOB letter). In the letter, it's stated that he has 'made it'. Whilst 99% of other UOB cardmembers have been disqualified, he is still game to receive an 'important envelope' in the next 3-5 days and within it contains a 'guaranteed winning chance' to receive S$200 000.

My immediate instinct screamed "SCAM!!" So I've called up the UOB office. The lady whom I spoke with told me that it's a LEGITIMATE promotional tie-in with the Reader's Digest here in Singapore, but they cannot give me further details. I was instead directed to 62581111 (Reader's digest enquiries number).

I've called reader's digest the staff member gave me the impression that I was not the first to call. Anyway, to save her and her colleagues the trouble, I shall do the service of explaining what the whole thing is all about.

Basically, she told me that this was a promotion/advertisement for their services. The tie-in with UOB means UOB cardmembers will be given a discount when signing up for a minimum year long subscription. Only then will you be eligible to be in the running for the s$2000 000 'sweepstakes', as dictated by the 'Michelle Zee, the Prize Award Administrator'.

In a few days, that lucky 1% of UOB cardmembers will be receiving that all-important 'yellow envelope' - as described by Michelle Zee et al. I expect that yellow envelope to contain a tick box to ask you if you're interested in taking part in the $200 000 draw, but in the process of agreeing, you inadvertantly signed-up for a year long subscription of the Reader's digest.

So if you're thinking your big day has come... dreaming of the limousine picking you up from your place to the 'Office of the Prize' (as dictated by Michelle Zee), just remember.. it's a promotion which requires a subscription.

Now why such a reputable magazine like the Reader's Digest would follow a scam-like marketing method eludes me.. the fact that UOB gives out our card details, full name and home address makes me question their professional ethics.

In tough times like these.. capitalizing on the GFC seems to be the direction many advertising firms seem to heading toward..