The Samoa Post Company has cautioned the general public against what they say is an electronic “spam”, or fraudulent advertisements, that have been circulating under the company's name.

The spam advertisement, which appears under the Samoa Post branding, is mostly received via Google.

It states: “Congratulations! You won the Samsung Galaxy S10 [mobile phone]!”

Targets of the message are then lured into providing their address and paying shipping costs to receive a phone that never arrives. 

In a phone interview with Samoa Observer, the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of Samoa Post, Tupa'i Tupe Ualolo Nun Yan, said the message’s longevity was reason to remind the public 

“It’s nothing new, it started last year and we’re just reminding everyone that we still have no game or competition like that going on and that it's a spam [advertisement],” she said.

An important notice was also posted online on Monday to further the reminder.

“Please be aware of this advertisement/spam spreading over the internet and notifying users about a free "Samsung Galaxy S10",” the post stated.

“We call upon the general public to please be advised that these are spams and we don't give away free phones. Thank you and stay blessed Samoa.”

According to a Facebook user identified as Tima Silao Paiali’I Mao who commented on Samoa Post’s Facebook post, she said she receives the spam messages non-stop.

“No wonder why my dear husband’s phone is filled with all these things. They’ve been such pains in the ears whenever they pop up,” she commented.

According to the C.E.O, they do not have the authority to identify who’s behind the spam messages.

However, awareness counts, she added.

The Samoa Post has also been receiving calls from the public regarding the advertisement since last year.