Mystery prize machines open to fraud, say police

They sell idea that expensive prizes can be won, but items may not be of 'meaningful value'

Experts say the lure of a jackpot prize is what separates the mystery prize machines from products like trading cards.
Experts say the lure of a jackpot prize is what separates the mystery prize machines from products like trading cards. PHOTO: LIN ZHAOWEI FOR THE STRAITS TIMES
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Over the past year, visitors to shopping malls would have seen vending machines filled with plainly packaged boxes and the promise of expensive items to be won.

But contrary to their advertising, these machines dispensing mystery prizes for a fee may not stock any items of "meaningful value", the police said yesterday.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 28, 2018, with the headline Mystery prize machines open to fraud, say police. Subscribe