Anybody heard of Vacation Resort Management?

[JoeS]

I recieved a call coming from an "Awards and Claims Center" saying that I filled out a form online and that my ticket was pulled for a Cadillac Escalade contest. They were going to award me one of their "top" major prizes. Red flags here if you listen to the message closely, it makes it sound like you've "won" a Cadillac when in fact you're going to be awarded a "top major prize."

Next, I looked up the phone number 866-999-3703 in Google and it came up as nothing. No data. I also did a reverse phone lookup and it was nothing to, although one of the reverse phone lookup sites claimed to have the info but wanted me to pay for it which I refuse to do.

Finally and I think this is the BIGGEST red flag of all is she left only her last name (Miss Parker) with the extension but didn't give the name of her company. When I called it, there was just a voicemail so I'm I assuming it's from the west coast since I called them around 10:30 am EST. I let her know to take my number off their list and that I didn't appreciate calls with little or no information since I did look up the number which came up blank.

If anyone has recieved calls like these and has any information on it, please share it with us. I HATE WHEN PEOPLE ARE SNEAKY AND DECEITFUL.

Again the number is 866-999-3703.

Thanks,

Joe

[boone]

To JoeS:

Well, never got a call from them, but I put the no. in at dogpile.com (results come up from several engines) and here is what I found, a job ad looking for TELEMARKETERS and DATA PROCESSORS

http://cj.chicagojobs.com/candidate/...&source=search

Here it says to talk to "Ms. Reeves" LOL

[scamalertqueen]

That phone call does sound dodgy. Didn't leave company name or anything? Hmmmmm.

[Desert Oasis]

Thanks for posting that, Joe!

I rec'd multiple calls (two different scammer mules) from The Awards and Claims Center Sept 5-9, 2006 and they also direct you to call:

1-800-710-0986

I did phone back the number Joe posted and was told by the scammer mule that the company involved is "Vacation Resort Management"

Please people: report all scam calls to FTC.gov, you state attorney general's office and if you are registered with donotcall.gov, file a complaint.

[Hakan]

I recieved a phone call like this last night. I called back (800-317-4989) and talked with someone today and she faxed me some info which I'll include shortly. She said my name had been drawn from a sweepstakes I entered last year. I make a point not to enter sweepstakes, so I found this to be a bit odd. I asked her where this entry of mine came from and she said they have entry boxes all over the place and so she couldn't be certain. She wants me to attend an Award Ceremony in Gurney IL tomorrow night where there will be a brief (90 min, how is that brief?) presentation before the awards are handed out. I must attend this alone since only prize winners are allowed to attend due to insurance purposes. It was explained that should a non-prize winner trip and fall, their insurance will not cover that person. I told her I couldn't make it Wednesday, so she scheduled me for Thursday and then faxed me some info. Oh, and at the beginning of the call, she needed to verify that the box I checked off as my income was correct because the state requires that all prize winners can afford to pay the taxes on their prize. Needless to say, I won't be attending. Here is the info from the fax:


We at VRM would like to congratulate you for being a recipient of one of our prizes. As a guaranteed recipient of one of our prizes, you are going to receive a Sweepstakes Scratch-Off Ticket. This ticket will reveal which one of our five major prizes you will receive:
- A Brand Cadillac Escalade (Retail Value $55,960)
- 10-Night Hawaiian Vacation (Retail Value $3,760)
- $2500 in cash to spend anyway you wish
- 3 Days, 2 Nights in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Cancun with Roundtrip Airfare for two (Retail Value $1,200)
- 32" Toshiba Flat-Screen Stereo TV (Retail Value $599)

AGAIN, YOU ARE GUARANTEED ONE OF THESE 5 MAJOR GIFTS.

If you would like to contact us, you may reach us at (800-977-7504)

YOU HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE OR JOIN ANYTHING!

We have experimented with direct mail, and do you know, the national average is that 300 letters are mailed in order to get just one guest to attend our introductory seminar?

Did you know that a 60-second commercial on network TV during prime time runs between $12,000 and $80,000, depending upon the show, the time slot and the season?

We have considered newspaper advertising and you might be surprised to learn that a half ad in the Sunday travel section can cost over $12,000.00.

We explained all that to say this: This is actually the most cost effective for us to give you a quality gift package then to spend tens of thousands of dollars on advertising and advertising agencies. If we were to spend all that money on commercials or printed advertising, you may or may not ever see it; and most importantly, most likely would not ever respond.

The bottom line, it is more cost effective for us (and more beneficial to you) to spend our advertising budget on a nice gift for you than some expensive advertising campaign or promotion that may or may not work.

Finally, you should also know that we would not risk our reputation by attempting to deceive you. We have been in business for years, are members of numerous industry and civic organizations and associations and fully, bonded, registered, and insured.


What to Expect
While you are here, you will hear a brief discussion on our discount travel club and various worldwide vacation opportunities for your entire family. We will show you how to create your fantasy vacation in comfortable, exotic locations, at affordable prices. Our representative will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in any way possible. Upon completion of the presentation, prizes will be awarded. Again all prize recipients must claim their prize in person with 2 valid forms of ID. Remember your prize is guaranteed, and you are under no obligations. No children or guest allowed because of insurance purposes. Expect to be in and out within 90 minutes. Each finalist is responsible for taxes on all prizes. You must arrive at least 5 minutes early to register.

Terms and Conditions
This promotion is open to all married, single, and cohabiting adults between the ages of 25-72. At least one must be at least 25 years of age and have a combined annual income of at least $45,000. If cohabiting, BOTH must possess photo identification with the same physical address. If single, one must be between the ages of 25-72 with an annual income of at least $45,000. Two forms of identification are required. Acceptable identification is a driver's license/photo ID and a major credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover), or an established checkbook. Residents of the United States only. Limit one premium per household. All recipients will be responsible for any applicable taxes associated with the premium they receive. This includes all Dealer Delivery Fees, taxes, Reservation Charges, Port and Service charges and all Airport taxes. No group travel is permitted. A group is considered more than one family traveling together to the same gifting location, with the same arrival dates. This promotion may not be combined with any other promotion. You must bring this confirmation letter with you. Presentation start promptly so please arrive on time to be registered, and complete a brief travel survey. Individuals not meeting these qualifications will not be allowed to attend the presentation or receive the gifts.

Vacation Resort Management At The Saratoga Square Shopping Center
5101 Washington Street Unit 4
Gurnee, IL 60031
______________________________________

A search at http://search.bbb.org/ for Vacation Resort Management results in:

Link 1
Link 2
Link 3
Link 4
Link 5
Link 6

[nauticalstar8]

Scam!!! I work for a government switchboard and we get those calls all the time. I assure you that the government is not entering sweepstakes.

[Casper1991]

I also received this only in Las Vegas NV. I emailed them the BBB listings for their company and they called me back immediately. They said that it is real, everyone who attends will win 1 of the prizes. I asked to know of names of those who had won before, as then I could talk to them about it. They can not give that out as it is a HIPPA thing???

Anyone ever really go to these???

[djWestminster]

A HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/hipaa) thing? Odd.

I received a similar call this afternoon from two guys with Indian accents. They said their names were "Brian Smith" and his supervisor "John Roberts". The number on the caller ID is 212-121-2121. Mr. Roberts said his return number is 646-443-1334. They invited me to a 60-90 min. question and answer session, followed by refreshments, then a scratch-ticket revealing the two prizes (in this case one prize is a $500 Internet Shopping Card, in addition to the five others mentioned in a previous post). The gifts are being awarded at Vacation Resorts Management, 549 Flatiron Blvd., Broomfield, CO the night of Tues., Oct. 3. Mr. Roberts directed me to www.leisureescapesresorts.com for futher information (Leisure Escapes International Corp., of Troy, MI). The site is mirrored here www.eresortvillas.com/LeisureEscapes/home.html.

I have been on the National and Colorado Do-Not-Call lists for 2-3 years.

[djWestminster]

I used this site (www.thedirectory.org/pref/) to look up the phone numbers from my last post. Prefix 121 in area code 212 does not exist. So much for caller ID. Area code 646, prefix 443 is in Lower Manhattan, NYC. Mr. Roberts told me he was calling from Buffalo, NY. Mr. Smith said I was required to give him my wife's name to receive the prize. Mr. Roberts told me that she was required to accompany me to the presentation, but when I told him she refused he told me I could bring along any female companion who would be interested in traveling with me. I replied that I didn't want to go on any vacation without my wife and he suggested that I think of the future. The prizes can be used at any future date.

[rat]

I got this call last night. The dodgiest part for me was when he asked if my husband would be coming. I said that if he did, we'd have to bring my kids. He said that they were not set up for young children, and it was fine if I came alone. He would just change my registration to "single", and I would have to make sure not to "let on" that I was married. None of my IDs could say anything about me being married, and when I filled out the paperwork, I'd have to be sure to mark "single". He said he was doing me a favor, because the prizes were set up for "single" or "married" (at one point he slipped and said "single women", and if I said I was single, i wouldn't get my prize.

He said that there is first a "question and answer" period, then there would be food, and then there would be a "ceremony".

So, has anyone actually gone to the "ceremony"?

[DennisDA]

I just got a call too. The number they gave was 866-545-6207 which comes up nothing on whitepages.com. They did give me an address in Guerney Mills, IL which also came up with nada when I did a reverse lookup on USPS.com. The address was in some shopping mall by Six Flags.

Dennis

[Jose400]

Same here, I got the phone call from Reginald McNeil for the same thing.
It was a black guy,phone number 1-800-977-7504. I called my brother in
Chicago and he said that it sounded fishy. The part that sounded fishy is
that they ask for a major credit card or a bank account for an id.
From what I saw at the forum, it's the exact same scam. I usually ask
for a third party verification, which they could not give me. They could not
give me the number of the compay that sponsored it and it seems to me
like a fly by night scam. They did not have a website either, and they could
not verify in any way if they are legitimate or not. I've received phone calls
like this in the past and it is best just ignored, I think.
The theory of supposed giveaways to get more clients does not quite jive
I think. Harbor management sounds like a bogus company that was made up.
It's a good thing that I found this site so that we can all get together and find
out about scammers like these guys.
Norman Dreamer.

[Jose400]

Check this out, he sent me an email.

Dear: Joseph Kim
Pick up date: Friday, 11/03/06 @ 8:00 p.m.
Claim Number: ITC-2200

We at HRM would like to congratulate you for being a recipient of one of our prizes. As a guaranteed recipient of one of our prizes, you are going to receive a Sweepstakes Scratch-Off Ticket. This ticket will reveal which one of our five major prizes you will receive:

§ A Brand New Cadillac Escalade (Retail Value $55,960)
§ 10-Night Hawaiian Vacation (Retail Value $3,760)
§ $2500 in cash to spend anyway you wish
§ 3 Days, 2 Nights in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Cancun with Roundtrip Airfare for two (Retail Value $1,200)
§ 32" Toshiba Flat-Screen Stereo TV (Retail Value $599)

AGAIN, YOU ARE GUARANTEED ONE OF THESE 5 MAJOR GIFTS.

If you would like to contact us, you may reach us at
(800-977-7504)

YOU HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE OR JOIN ANYTHING!

Allow us to explain why and how we offer gifts worth hundreds to thousands of dollars..

We have experimented with direct mail, and do you know, the national average is that 300 letters are mailed in order to get just one guest to attend our introductory seminar?

Did you know that a 60-second commercial on network TV during prime time runs between $12,000 and $80,000, depending upon the show, the time slot and the season?

We have considered newspaper advertising and you might be surprised to learn that a half ad in the Sunday travel section can cost over $12,000.00.

We explained all that to say this: This is actually the most cost effective for us to give you a quality gift package then to spend tens of thousands of dollars on advertising and advertising agencies. If we were to spend all that money on commercials or printed advertising, you may or may not ever see it; and most importantly, most likely would not ever respond.

The bottom line, it is more cost effective for us (and more beneficial to you) to spend our advertising budget on a nice gift for you than some expensive advertising campaign or promotion that may or may not work.

Finally, you should also know that we would not risk our reputation by attempting to deceive you. We have been in business for years, are members of numerous industry and civic organizations and associations and fully, bonded, registered, and insured.

What to expect
While you are here you will hear a brief discussion on our discount travel club and various worldwide vacation opportunities for your entire family. We will show you how to create your fantasy vacation in comfortable, exotic locations, at affordable prices. Our representative will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in any way possible. Upon completion of the presentation, prizes will be awarded. Again all prize recipient must claim their prize in person with 2 valid forms of I.D. Remember your prize is guaranteed, and you are under no obligations. No children or guest allowed because of insurance purposes. Expect to be in and out within 90 minutes.You must arrive at least 15 minutes early to register.

Terms and Conditions

This promotion is open to all married, single, and cohabiting adults between the ages of 25-72. At least one must be at least 25 years of age and have a combined annual income of at least $45,000. If cohabiting, BOTH must possess photo identification with the same physical address. If single, one must be between the ages of 25-72 with an annual income of at least $45,000. Two forms of identification are required. Acceptable identification is a driver’s license/photo ID and a major credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover), or an established checkbook. Residents of the United States only. Limit one premium per household. All recipients will be responsible for any applicable taxes associated with the premium they receive. No group travel is permitted. A group is considered more than one family traveling together to the same gifting location, with the same arrival dates. This promotion may not be combined with any other promotion. You may bring this confirmation letter with you. Please arrive on time to be registered, and complete a brief travel survey.
Individuals not meeting these qualifications will not be allowed to attend or receive the gifts.



The Saratoga Square Shopping Center
5101 Washington Street Unit 4 Gurnee, IL, 60031


From The North
1: Start out going SOUTH on JACKSON ST / US-45 toward AMHERST AVE.

2: Turn RIGHT onto AMHERST AVE.

3: Turn LEFT onto WISCONSIN ST / WI-44. Continue to follow WI-44.

4: Turn RIGHT onto W 9TH AVE.

5: Merge onto US-41 S via the ramp on the LEFT toward FOND DU LAC / MILWAUKEE.

6: US-41 S becomes US-45 S.

7: Take I-894 E toward CHICAGO / GEN MITCHELL INT'L AIRPORT.

8: Merge onto I-94 E via EXIT 10B toward CHICAGO (Portions toll) (Crossing into ILLINOIS).

9: Take the MILWAUKEE AVE / IL-21 exit.

10: Turn LEFT onto IL-21 / MILWAUKEE AVE / S RIVERSIDE DR.

11: Turn RIGHT onto WASHINGTON ST / W WASHINGTON ST / CR-45 / CR-A22.

12: End at Saratoga Partners Ltd
5101 Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031, US


From The South
3: Merge onto I-355 N via the ramp on the LEFT toward NORTHWEST SUBURBS (Portions toll).

4: I-355 N becomes I-290 W.

5: Take IL-53 N toward NORTH SUBURBS.

6: Take the EAST PALATINE RD exit.

7: Merge onto W PALATINE RD.

8: W PALATINE RD becomes PALATINE RD EXPRESS LN.

9: PALATINE RD EXPRESS LN becomes WILLOW RD.

10: Merge onto I-294 N via the ramp on the LEFT (Portions toll).

11: I-294 N becomes I-94 W (Portions toll).

12: Merge onto IL-120 E / W BELVIDERE RD.

13: Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto S OPLAINE RD / CR-38 / CR-W20.

14: Turn LEFT onto WASHINGTON ST / W WASHINGTON ST / CR-45 / CR-A22.

15: End at Saratoga Partners Ltd



From The East
4: Merge onto I-90 E toward CHICAGO (Portions toll).

5: Take the IL-59 exit.

6: Turn LEFT onto IL-59 N / NEW SUTTON RD. Continue to follow IL-59 N.

7: Turn RIGHT onto IL-22.

8: Turn LEFT onto CHURCH ST.

9: CHURCH ST becomes N MIDLOTHIAN RD.

10: Turn RIGHT onto W PETERSON RD / CR-20 / CR-A33. Continue to follow W PETERSON RD.

11: Turn LEFT onto IL-21 / N MILWAUKEE AVE.

12: Turn RIGHT onto WASHINGTON ST / W WASHINGTON ST / CR-45 / CR-A22.

13: End at Saratoga Partners Ltd
5101 Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031, US



From The West:
3: Merge onto I-94 W. 18.8 miles Map

4: Take the RIPLEY ST / IN-51 N / TOLL ROAD exit- EXIT 16. 0.1 miles Map

5: Merge onto I-90 W toward CHICAGO SKYWAY / CHICAGO (Portions toll) (Crossing into ILLINOIS). 29.4 miles Map

6: Merge onto I-90 EXPRESS W / I-94 EXPRESS W / DAN RYAN EXP W via the exit on the LEFT. 4.2 miles Map

7: I-90 EXPRESS W / I-94 EXPRESS W / DAN RYAN EXP W becomes I-94 W. 24.1 miles Map

8: Keep LEFT to take US-41 N via EXIT 29 toward WAUKEGAN. 16.2 miles Map

9: Take the WASHINGTON ST exit. 0.2 miles Map

10: Turn LEFT onto WASHINGTON ST. 1.8 miles Map

11: End at Saratoga Partners Ltd
5101 Washington St, Gurnee, IL 60031, US




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have the perfect Group for you. Check out the handy changes to Yahoo! Groups.

[Juanello]

Hello Joe, yeah I know what you mean now, I got this email just a couple of days ago and well they want me to provide my drivers license and passport information, like I was their fool to do such a thing with so much Identity Theft going on everywhere, and so I emailed them and told them I wasn't going to do that and I told them I had been tried by others to get scammed like this, and then they even get offended,,,,,but about 3 months ago when I knew nothing about scams I took $3,000 out of my bank , getting ready to send another company the money for them to send me a check in winnings of $3,600,000.00 but as they had said I had to send the bank the 3 thousand dollars for them for the safekeeping of my winnings I asked a friend of mine at a bank and he told me , is that what you took the money out for to send to them, they told me John these people are scammers do not send the money to them , yiou send that money to them then you will never hear from them much less will you get anything, so I put that money back in my account, and that was a close one for me, there's a saying in spanish that says , uno nunca sabe para quien trabaja, another words, one never knows for whom you work for, and that would have been my case there, hard earned money to just give it away to that scammer, but thanks to my friend, I did not send it in...in any case check this email I received from them just 2 days ago.....the thing too, is that they called me to tell me that I had one...but the email did not have my name or information only they asked for the information so then later they call you and they have a name to go by, what a crock of ****, huh, well I am not a believer no more to these scammers..check it out ..----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS PROMOTION
DEPARTMENT OF THE BMW AUTOMOBILE
COMPANY.

22 Garden Close, Stamford , Lincs , PE9 2YP , London
United Kingdom.

ATTN: John

I wish to congratulate you for being one of the lucky winner's of this years draws. We received all the information requested from you to release your winnings .You will be required to send us a scan copy of your Drivers license or International passport to ascertain your Identity and also for security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning information’s confidential till your claims is processed and your money remitted to you. This is a part of our precautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some unscrupulous elements.

However, we have been assigned to a claim agent who would assist you in the processing procedures and ultimately to the delivery/payment of your BMW 5 Series, M Sport Saloon car and a cash prize of £500,000.00GBP (Five Hundred Thousand Great British pounds) to you, credited to the ticket number: 5647600545 and serial number: BMWP/556550906. You should contact your claims agent immediately via email. His name is Mr. Mark Walsh and email: bmwgrouppromo@uk2.net

Importantly, for the enablement of your claims, you are advised to comply with our payout procedures, as these are mere formalities that will guarantee payment of funds to all qualified winners in this Category.

Furthermore note that, All Winning funds should be claimed on time. You have a limited time, after which all Unclaimed Funds will be returned to the BMW Automobile International Awareness Promotion (IAP) to enable them use it for the next edition.

This promo is governed and monitored by the Europe Lottery Commission of 2006 and censored.

We will anticipate your response soon.

Note: You are warned to keep confidential to your self until you get your winning, to avoid random claim. If found in such an act, you will be disqualified automatically. Be Warned.

Yours Truly,

Engr. Martin Smith
DIRECTOR OF PROMOTIONS,
INTERNATIONAL AWARENESS PROMOTIONS,
BMW AUTOMOBILE. LONDON , UNITED KINGDOM .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I WANTED TO POST THIS ON THE FORUM BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO IT, CAN YOU DO IT FOR ME JOE, THX, IKAY, TAKE CARE OF YOU

jUANELLO

[richardb]

Hi . . . I found this forum by searching on the 800 in the email message I received below, following a phone call from "Elisa". The message is almost identical to one above, but the firm allegedly sponsoring this event is called "Event Planner," which purports to be a nationwide travel agency (but without an obvious web site!), and this ceremony is in Washington, DC. Given the recent dates on the prior posts, these "award ceremonies" around the country appear to be part of a highly active enterprise at the moment. Also, "Elisa", or whoever called, did know my daughter's email address, which makes me suspect that my daughter had completed some form online at one point or another.

"Elisa" offered us several possible times to show up -- which suggested to me they are scheduling numerous groups of 50 people while operating in DC this week. She apologized for the short notice, but indicated that our name had been selected to replace someone else who had been selected earlier but withdrew from participation.

Also, these ceremonies are taking place at a local Mariott Hotel. Doesn't the hotel have any standards?

I'm quite positive the government doesn't require prize winners to earn over $50K/year, so that falsehood flags this as dishonest. I, too, am wondering if anyone has attended one of these sessions yet, and if so, what took place?

In any event, here is the email I received (with a couple of redactions so the senders might not be able to track it back to me):

* * *

Dear: Mr. & Mrs. XXX
Pick Up Date:
Claim Number: ITC-XXX

We at Event Planner would like to congratulate you for being a recipient of one of our prizes. As a guaranteed recipient of one of our prizes, you are going to receive a Sweepstakes Scratch-Off Ticket. This ticket will reveal which one of our five major prizes you will receive:

A Brand New Cadillac Escalade (Retail Value $55,960)
· 10-Night Hawaiian Vacation (Retail Value $3,760)

· $2500 in cash to spend anyway you wish

· 7 Nights Florida/Bahamas and Cruise for two (Retail Value $1,134)
· 32” Toshiba Flat-Screen Stereo TV (Retail Value $599)


§ YOU HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE OR JOIN ANYTHING!

Sound Too Good To Be True?

As a full service travel agency with offices nationwide, we are fully aware of the often-quoted adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Unfortunately, these days, we all have a right to be suspicious and should be cautious.

Allow us to explain why and how we offer gifts worth hundreds to thousands of dollars..
We have experimented with direct mail, and do you know, the national average is that 300 letters are mailed in order to get just one guest to attend our introductory seminar?

Did you know that a 60-second commercial on network TV during prime time runs between $12,000 and $80,000, depending upon the show, the time slot and the season?

We have considered newspaper advertising and you might be surprised to learn that a half page ad in the Sunday travel section can cost over $12,000.00.

We explained all that to say this: This is actually the most cost effective for us to give you a quality gift rather than to spend tens of thousands of dollars on advertising and advertising agencies. If we were to spend all that money on commercials or print advertising, you may or may not ever see it; and most importantly, most likely would not ever respond.

The bottom line, it is more cost effective for us (and more beneficial to you) to spend our advertising budget on a nice gift for you than some expensive advertising campaign or promotion that may or may not work.

Finally, you should also know that we would not risk our reputation by attempting to deceive you. We have been in business for years, are members of numerous industry and civic organizations and associations and are fully, bonded, registered, and insured.

What to expect

While you are here you will hear a brief discussion on our discount travel and vacation opportunities for your entire family. We will show you how to create your fantasy vacation in comfortable, exotic locations, at affordable prices. Our representative will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in any way possible. Upon completion of the presentation, prizes will be awarded. Again all prize recipients must claim their prize in person with 2 valid forms of I.D. Remember your prize is guaranteed, and you are under no obligations. No children or guest allowed because of insurance purposes. Expect to be in and out within 90 minutes. You must arrive 20 minutes early to find parking and register.
Terms and Conditions

This promotion is open to all married, single and cohabiting adults between the ages of 25-72 if married or cohabitating both must be between 25-72 years of age and have a combined annual income of at least $50,000. If cohabiting, both must possess photo identification with the same physical address with a combined annual income of at least $50,000. If single, you must be between the ages of 25-72, and have an annual income of at least $50,000.
We do not have facilities for children, pets, or uninvited guests at this time. Two forms of identification are required. Acceptable identification is a driver’s license/photo ID and a major credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover) or an established checkbook. United States citizens only, limited to one premium per household. All recipients will be responsible for any applicable taxes associated with the premium they receive. No group travel is permitted. A group is considered more than one family traveling together to the same gifting location, with the same arrival dates. Awarding and Presentation start promptly so please arrive on time to be registered, and complete a brief travel survey.

Individuals not meeting these qualifications will not be allowed to receive the gifts.

If you would like to contact us, you may reach us at
(800-977-7504)


Event Planners at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1900 Connecticut Ave NW,
Washington, DC, 20009


Driving directions from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
· Head north on George Washington Memorial Pkwy.
· Take I-395 N to Rte 1 (14th St Bridge).
· Move to the far left lane on the bridge and follow the signs for 14th St.
· Head north on 14th St for nine blocks and turn left onto I St.
· Turn right onto 17th St, which becomes Connecticut Ave.
· Continue 10 blocks to the Courtyard on the left.

Driving directions from Washington Dulles International Airport:
· Head east on Dulles Airport Access Hwy.
· Continue east on I-66 to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (US-50).
· Take the Constitution Ave exit off of the bridge.
· Continue six blocks and turn left onto 17th St, which becomes Connecticut Ave.
· Continue to the hotel on the left.

Driving directions from Baltimore–Washington International Airport:
· Head west on I-195 and then south on I-95.
· Head west on I-495. Take exit 33B for Connecticut Ave heading south.
· Continue on Connecticut Ave and cross the William Taft Bridge.
· Proceed three blocks to the hotel on the right

[fuehrleb]

I also recieved a call and was told the same thing. I am scheduled to sit thru the presentation tonite. So far noone here has gone, only received the call. How can we be sure its a scam if no one has gotten their gift yet?

[richardb]

Fuehrleb . . . you're going to the one at the Courtyard by Marriott on Connecticut Ave. in DC this evening? I'll be interested in what you learn. But in the meantime, to prepare, here are some reasons to strongly smell a scam here, IMHO:

1. Far too good to be true -- look what they claim to spend on prizes per person in order to discuss travel agency services.

2. The government doesn't limit prizes to recipients earning over $50K/year.

3. Very odd requirements for identification when arriving.

4. Note that in the email I received, Event Planner is singular sometimes and plural sometimes -- they don't even know the name of the sponsor of this activity?

5. What legitimate enterprise these days circulates anything without a web site or other firm information listed? If they're interested in promoting their travel agency services, they would welcome the opportunity to introduce people to what they offer at every opportunity.

6. Numerous other discussion of this scheme/apparent scam on other web sites (possibly variants, such as Ford Explorer rather than Cadillac, but some cross-checks on phone number and especially modus operandi). Check out here: http://www.katv.com/onyourside.hrb?s=1281 and here: http://mikesblog.americasdebate.com/...telemarketers/ (esp items 67 and later for Cadillac version, but also many related instances of Ford Explorer version).

[trulibra]

I keep on getting calls from 212-121-2121

As usual, looked it up and it said NY exchange. Why the hell would someone be calling me from NY?????

I am in Ontario, Canada.

Well, they are persistent! I don't answer the calls, and they don't leave me a message, they only hang up. But they have been calling me all week? Do they think I am easy prey?? And hey, if you don't leave me a message, and you don't say who you are, then why would I want to talk to you??



Anyways, glad to find this forum.

Looks like we are never safe, only in our minds!

G-Day!

[richardb]

Here is further information I just posted at mikesblog:

Some more concrete detective work: Item 38 from “The Legend” identifies the firm involved with the Ford Explorer “promotion”, and hence the Cadillac Escalade promotion, as Cambridge Marketing & Financial Services, Inc. in Deland Florida, president Marvin Israel. Googling “Marvin Israel” and “telemarketing” leads to the web page for ITC, Inc. . . . who’s President/CEO is . . . Marvin Israel ! (It’s snail address appears to be down the street — Woodland Blvd. — from Cambridge Marketing.) ITC, ITC, ? Doesn’t that sound familiar? Check out how many of the award ID numbers start with ITC in the accounts above. The web site is here: http://www.daydrives.com/index.html and, as an added bonus, you can EMAIL (!) Mr. Israel here: marvin@telemarketinginc.com . Good luck.

[davezwalinski52290]

you see, just today i received a call out of the blue from 1-(877) 237-9457 from a woman named "Debbie" from the "Awards Center" or something along those lines. pretty much the same thing with the Cadillac Escalade and i was given the same address in Gurnee, IL. the address was 5101 Washington Gurnee, IL as far as i can remember. i was given a claim number and everything, and im supposed to go there with my brother and his fiancee tomorrow to "claim one of our prizes". now, i'm planning on goin anyways, and im not paying some stupid bull**** money for them no matter what, but im going to find out if this is for real or if it is a scam. i believe that there is a possibility that it is, and maybe everyone thinks that it is too good to be true. no offense, but because of all the scams out there, everyone thinks that everything is just a scam and a fake. i'm not gonna go with that state of mind, but i will be cautious and see what happens.

keep ya posted

[davezwalinski52290]

also, from what it looks like, people have to stop flippin out. the reason that you have to show that you have a credit card is most likely to show that you have the ability to pay for something that same day you are there if they talk you into it, and its not really a scam, its a clever trick that telemarketers use. you do get a prize, usually not a fu**in escalade, but prolly a pair of tickets and a hotel stay, and all you have to do is sit through their annoying as 90 min. lecture on why you should buy their crap. etc. etc. so its nothing that police can really do about it, so might as well tell them to take you off of their lists because you dont have time for it, or just put the number on your blocked calls list. haha, but ill still let you know what happens after i go there tomorrow.

[richardb]

To: davezwalinski52290 (and everyone else as well)

Look forward to your report as to what goes on at one of these meetings. I would note that the operation called me claiming I had entered a contest which I never did, and that I am on the Federal Do-Not-Call list. That's a violation right there. Moreover, the call I received (and the follow-up email) emphasized that I was a finalist in a contest, not the product they were interested in selling -- in fact, I was never sent a web-site address or phone number of the "sponsoring" entity, "Event Planner(s)" and couldn't find it through Google. The promotion call I received also indicated the income limits for participation were required by the government to assure I could pay income tax on the prize I won -- that must be false. Also, where are the disclosures about how many prizes of each type are being distributed? If you receive a no-purchases-necessary prize card at, say, McDonalds, that kind of information is always easily available. In short, the suspicions and caution that many of us have is entirely justified by this activity's appearance.

My prior posting identified the likely operator of the Cadillac "contest" as ITC, Inc. of Deland, Florida, and its CEO/President, Marvin Israel. Further indications: Gurnee, IL, which figures prominently in meeting locations, is listed as one of ITC, Inc.'s "markets": http://www.daydrives.com/Projects.html . (I had never heard of Gurnee, IL before -- now I've encountered it twice!) Here is a photograph of Mr. Israel for your dartboard: http://www.telemarketinginc.com/about.html .

[SUZQ]

Wow! Can you believe I won a contest for a 2006 Cadillace Escalade that I never entered????? Yep! It's a SCAM! I am on the DONOTCALL list in which I filed a complaint and then with the State of CT Consumer Protection agency. Seems as though this company gets all hot when asked the name and address of their company. I was asked to contact 18009777504 and speak with a Mr Brandon Martin to claim my prize. HA! Of course he was unavailable! I asked for the supervisor...HA! She was unavailable! A young woman came on the phone after the other guy got all flustered with answering my questions and proceeded to tell me they will be happy to call me back when someone is available! I said NO! That I was asked to call back this number and need to know the legal name of their company in which she became rude and angry that I would be asking these important questions. Then, I asked for her supervisor and she gave me a name of a "Miss Veronica Davis" but, HA! she was not available to talk to me! Seems as though they are not a legitimate buisness and will be happy to talk to a government agency when they are being slapped a fine for calling a DONOTCALL registered number! Too bad for these people! I hope enough people complain to get their tails in the unemployment line right quick! A bunch of SCAM artists!

[richardb]

TO SUZQ: Well, the company is almost certainly ITC, Inc. -- its home page actually SHOWS the Cadillac Escalade on a scratch off card! (http://www.daydrives.com/index.html). I think that's a pretty compelling clue. So when you and others speak to Brandon Martin or his colleagues, you could ask about his boss, Mr. Israel, and you could mention some of the other venues and companies that have sponsored this contest. I would also consider asking how many of each type of prize will be awarded within the next month, and how many "finalists" there are in total.

Here's something else I find interesting. I live in Maryland. IANAL, but as a citizen, I've discovered that Maryland law appears to prohibit companies from notifying state residents that they must submit to a sales promotion in order to participate in a contest:

" Maryland Code : COMMERCIAL LAW : TITLE 13. CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT : SUBTITLE 3. UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES : § 13-305. Prizes conditioned on purchases or sales promotion.

§ 13-305. Prizes conditioned on purchases or sales promotion.

* * *

(b) Prohibition.- A person may not notify any other person by any means, as part of an advertising scheme or plan, that the other person has won a prize, received an award, or has been selected or is eligible to receive anything of value if the other person is required to purchase goods or services, pay any money to participate in, or submit to a sales promotion effort."

Hmmm. I was told by the "Awards Claim Center" rep that I would have to sit through a 90 minutes sales promotion. On its face, to me anyhow, that sounds offside this law, but again, I'm not a lawyer.

Look up your own statute in your state -- you can do it online. Most states have similar contest statutes, I believe, but your mileage might vary. And before you rely on my research for any substantive purpose, consult a real lawyer . . .

Good luck.

[Desert Oasis]

Hmmmm..I reported them to my state, Donotcall.gov, BBB etc. The company never responds. I still can't understand how they justify calling numbers registered with donotcall.gov. Doesn't the government fine companies for these actions?

That's rather scary they had your child's information. It's illegal for any company to solicit a minor, so I would report that immediately.

[Batera]

I'm heading to the event on Washingtong, DC tomorrow morning, with my wife, since I'm married. This is standard on this type of marketing promotions.

I've already won gas barbecue grills, handheld color TVs (back in the '90s when they were a novelty), iPods, and the most recent a 42" Sony HDTV which is beautifully installed in my family room. I've also stayed for free at hotels as well.

As long as you have the patience to listen to their 90-minute sales pitch and be able to say "no" some 50 times, you'll leave the place with a prize. My wife and I have a pitch of our own that most of the times works like a charm for them to stop trying to sell their stuff and move straight to the "prize giving" time. After the event tomorrow I'll tell you what our pitch is.

So, the worst I expect tomorrow is to leave with a 36" flat screen TV which I'm looking forward to place in my bedroom and throw away the old 20" I have there.

I'll let you guys know tomorrow.

Take care,
Batera

[SUZQ]

HIPAA: Stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
Unless the company is in the medical field, they have no business using this term.

[richardb]

I'm looking forward to reports on what actually takes place at these sessions from Batera and davezwalinski52290. I agree it seems almost certain this is a variant of a common timeshare sales promotion.

That said, promoting it through a dodgy contest with telephone scripts that emphasize you are a "winner" or "finalist" -- one callback to me on my voicemail from the "Awards Claim Center" ended with the word, "Congratulations" -- and not disclosing either on the phone or in the follow-up email the number of each type of prize (which, incidentally, is also required in Maryland by a subsection of § 13-305 of the state statutes), is part of what really makes this a scam. I suspect that's why Maryland state law prohibits firms from notifying targeted consumers that they are required to submit to a sales promotion in order to take part in any contest. But ITC, Inc. and its agents do that as well, based on its own written explanation in the standard email message I received. In other words, the bulk of the discussion in the phone contact is fostering the idea that you are a contest winner, and no meaningful or actionable information is provided about the product that is being sold. It is difficult or impossible, for instance, to investigate the specific product in advance on the internet, at least in my case.

When "Elisa" called me, she explained that the cruise and Florida/Bahamas vacation, one of the prizes that "finalists" might receive potentially, did not include airfare. Here's what the Maryland State Attorney General says about free vacation inducements for timeshare promotions (from a Consumer Guide for Seniors):

"'Free trip' offers are one of the most common consumer scams. The free trip is usually just a bait to get consumers to buy membersips in expensive timeshares or travel clubs (which do not always deliver what they promise) or the trip isn't really free -- you have to pay a lot of fees and extra costs. . . . Be skeptical of 'free trip' offers. Go to a sales presentation only if you are interested in what the company is selling . . ."

Here's what I suspect: Since ITC, Inc. has not disclosed the relative number of each "prize", I would bet that the "free" vacations (with the added costs) are the dominant share of prizes, and that few of the recipients actually ever use them, either because of the added costs, and/or because the vacation offered is not really that attractive (given the accommodations, available dates, and so on). The innovation here, in the Cadillac Escalade promotion, is (I suspect) tossing in a few, if any, more attractive material "prizes", such as cars and large flat-panel TVs, as inducements to attend, and emphasizing them during the initial phone contacts with consumer targets, as if one has a reasonable chance of actually winning one.

And what about the timeshares, the main reason for requiring husband and wife to attend a 90 minute presentation? Here's what consumer columnist/commentator Clark Howard wrote in his May 6, 2004 column (http://clarkhoward.com/shownotes/2004/05/06/):

"If you still want one, there is a smart way to buy them. Don’t buy new from one of the properties. You will pay upwards of $15,000. Buy from someone who is trying to get rid of his or her timeshare. You can get nice timeshares for as low as $3,000. Just make sure you go see the property first. Pictures can be deceiving."

Perhaps the Washington, DC promotion is for a discount travel club. My guess is similar warnings apply.

Just my 2 cents worth -- for what it's worth.

[elliea]

Hey, Batera,
Did you actually go to the presentation? How about reporting to us what happened? Did you win anything, what were they trying to sell you? Did they want personal information?

[theonlysparkle]

I missed a call earlier today and this is what I just heard on my voicemail:

Hi Laurie, this is Felicia with the Awards Claim Center calling to give you great news about the contest you entered to win the 2007 Cadillac Escalade.
The contest is officially over and your name was pulled, so congratualtions to you. What I need you to do as soon as possible is to contact me at 800 977-7504.
There are absolutely no obligations; however, there is a fine stipulation on the contest to receive your prize.
Once again, my name is Felicia, and the number is 800 977 7504
Congratulations to you, thank you and have a great day.


I called the 800 number back, and the guy who answered the phone with "Awards Claim Center" told me that Felicia was in a meeting, and she will call me back.

Felicia called me several minutes later, and before she could say anything I asked her what her last name was and where she was calling from. She seemed really confused and kept saying "what?" and asking me if I just asked her what I just asked her.

Anyway...
Name: Felicia Perry (yea right!)
Calling from: Awards Claim Center

Even though Felicia said that she was calling from 800 977-7504, the both calls that I received from her were dialed from (708) 758-2108.

She told me that I entered this contest probably one and a half years ago, which must be why I do not even remember entering this contest.

but...
If this were truly so, then wouldn't I have entered to win a 2006 Escalade?

She told me that prize is awarded by the Grand Sweepstakes Giveaway, so I could have entered the contest anywhere or even on someplace online.

When Felicia called me, she needed to verify a couple of things before she could place me in the next drawing for this Escalade.
Yepp, I did not win it yet.

She asked me my age bracket, whether or not I am employed, and if I own a major credit card.

So after this she was able to put me into the next drawing. I just told her to take me off the list and ended the call.

[dmbalicia]

So i got one of these calls...from the awards claims center or whatever...and spoke with a Brandon Martin. I was told the same line as everyone else...that i won one of 5 prizes the top being the cadillac. He set me up for a time to go in on Tuesday night...after doing all my research I found this website...and now I know it is obviously a time share scam or something...i am still thinking of going...cause i can say no pretty well...and what if they really do give you a prize? why has no one else who has said they were going to go and would let the forum know what happened not gotten back on here and told what happened? anyway...i would like to know what really goes on at one of things and if a prize of some sort is really giving....I watch to many CSI shows these days...and i wouldnt want anything bad to happen to me!!!

[meh1182002]

I work for the Award Claim Department and the contest is for real. If you stop for a minute and actually visit the sight you would see for yourself. And stop believing everything you read. Seeing is believing. If you have questions I will answer them truthful. We do have companies that hire us to call the finalists and set them up to come down to here about the company. We deal with companies all over the United States. We deal with companies in MD,CT,IL,AZ,FL, etc.

seeing is believing

[richardb]

OK, meh1182002, here are my questions, all reasonable. I may have others later. Thanks for your commitment to provide full, honest answers.

1. I assume, since you've posted here, that you are working for the company that is managing the contest that offers a Cadillac Escalade as a grand prize in its telemarketing promotion. (Another similar contest offers a Ford Explorer) Question: Is the operation you are engaged in affiliated in any manner with ITC, Inc., aka International Telemarketing Centers, Inc., of DeLand, Florida, Mr. Marvin Israel, President/CEO? (Its web site at http://www.daydrives.com/contact.html depicts a scratch-off Cadillac contest form on its home page). There, now that question was easy, wasn't it?

2. How many of each prize promoted as part of your contest or contests was actually awarded in the past 12 month period? Is a separate prize pool established for each of your client companies, or does each company participate in sponsoring the same contest?

3. What share of prizes awarded involve travel, trips, or cruises? What share of travel, trip, cruise prize awardees actually ever take the awarded trip?

4. At the time of making the prize award, presumably in conjunction with or following the 90 minute presentation, does your operation seek to collect taxes allegedly associated with the value of the prize awarded? How are these taxes calculated? Is your operation under a legal obligation to collect such taxes on behalf of the IRS or state tax authorities at this time? If so, what is the statutory/regulatory basis for doing so?

5. Many people posting on line have complained that the Award Claim Center (or Department) has called serial phone numbers at their place of employment, interfering with their business operations. Why does this occur?

6. Does your company regard contest entry forms allegedly completed and submitted over a year ago as an "opt-in" that relieves your company of the obligation to honor the Federal Do-Not-Call list? Do you recognize that the sentiment of those posting here on this blog demonstrates that ordinary people receiving these contest/promotional telemarketing calls is that the privacy to which they feel entitled as a result of the new attitude in this country reflected in the Federal Do-Not-Call statute has been violated?

7. Is there a web site or other source of publicly available information that would verify the accuracy any or all of your prior responses, especially questions 2, 3, and/or 4?


Many thanks in advance. We're all awaiting your response.

Best regards,

Richard.

[Signe]

[quote=Desert Oasis]Hmmmm..I reported them to my state, Donotcall.gov, BBB etc. The company never responds. I still can't understand how they justify calling numbers registered with donotcall.gov. Doesn't the government fine companies for these actions?


Hi,

I have been getting almost daily calls from Vacation Resort Group for over a month to the point of harassment. I have also reported them to the BBB, and Donotcall.gov. If anyone knows how I can get them to quit calling me, I'd appreciate it.

This call originates out of New York - 716-200-4207, and the sales office is in Broomfield, CO

Signe

[richardb]

We can now all see how forthright, candid, and transparent the "Award Claim Department" intends to be. I posted a list of reasonable questions in message # 33 five days ago in response to meh1182002's promise posted the prior day to answer our inquiries. Meh1182002 promised that "[i]f you have questions I will answer them truthful." Yet now, five days later, nada.

I would clarify my first question by adding that if the "Award Claim Department" is not affiliated in some way with ITC, Inc., please identify the name of the parent company or organization, its address, web site, phone and fax numbers, state of incorporation (if any), and principals (CEO, President, etc.).

Second, I would like to add one more question:

8. Has your organization or its parent or any principal affiliated entity (such as, perhaps, ITC, Inc.) been subject to any orders regarding its telemarketing or other marketing conduct issued by any state's attorney general or other competent regulatory authority, or entered into a consent decree or agreement with such authority that limits or restricts such conduct? If so, please identify the State, the year, the State authority, the nature of any order, decree or agreement, and where, if possible, it may be found on the web for perusal.

If meh1182002 wishes to redeem his/her promise, now is the time. In advance of any response to my questions, many thanks.

[scamerica]

I had a message in my VM couple of days back from a 'Paul', sounded like my wife won a cadillac, she called back and then this is what I got in the email: look at the email, the domain is Yahoo.!

Awards Claims Confirmation and Directions to Event Planners ITC-3000
2 messages Awards Claim Office Thu, Dec 21, 2006 at 12:32 PM


To:
Dear:
Pick Up Date:Saturday 12/23/06 @ 11:30am
Claim Number: ITC-3000

We at Event Planner would like to congratulate you for being a recipient of one of our prizes. As a guaranteed recipient of one of our prizes, you are going to receive a Sweepstakes Scratch-Off Ticket. This ticket will reveal which one of our five major prizes you will receive:


A Brand New Cadillac Escalade (Retail Value $55,960)
· 10-Night Hawaiian Vacation (Retail Value $3,760)
· $2500 in cash to spend anyway you wish
· 7 Nights Florida/Bahamas and Cruise for two (Retail Value $1,134)
· 32” Toshiba Flat-Screen Stereo TV (Retail Value $599)


§ YOU HAVE NO OBLIGATION TO PURCHASE OR JOIN ANYTHING!

Sound Too Good To Be True?

As a full service travel agency with offices nationwide, we are fully aware of the often-quoted adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Unfortunately, these days, we all have a right to be suspicious and should be cautious.

Allow us to explain why and how we offer gifts worth hundreds to thousands of dollars..
We have experimented with direct mail, and do you know, the national average is that 300 letters are mailed in order to get just one guest to attend our introductory seminar?

Did you know that a 60-second commercial on network TV during prime time runs between $12,000 and $80,000, depending upon the show, the time slot and the season?

We have considered newspaper advertising and you might be surprised to learn that a half page ad in the Sunday travel section can cost over $12,000.00.

We explained all that to say this: This is actually the most cost effective for us to give you a quality gift rather than to spend tens of thousands of dollars on advertising and advertising agencies. If we were to spend all that money on commercials or print advertising, you may or may not ever see it; and most importantly, most likely would not ever respond.

The bottom line, it is more cost effective for us (and more beneficial to you) to spend our advertising budget on a nice gift for you than some expensive advertising campaign or promotion that may or may not work.

Finally, you should also know that we would not risk our reputation by attempting to deceive you. We have been in business for years, are members of numerous industry and civic organizations and associations and are fully, bonded, registered, and insured.

What to expect

While you are here you will hear a brief discussion on our discount travel and vacation opportunities for your entire family. We will show you how to create your fantasy vacation in comfortable, exotic locations, at affordable prices. Our representative will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in any way possible. Upon completion of the presentation, prizes will be awarded. Again all prize recipients must claim their prize in person with 2 valid forms of I.D. Remember your prize is guaranteed, and you are under no obligations. No children or guest allowed because of insurance purposes. Expect to be in and out within 90 minutes. You must arrive 20 minutes early to find parking and register.
Terms and Conditions

This promotion is open to all married, single and cohabiting adults between the ages of 25-72 if married or cohabitating both must be between 25-72 years of age and have a combined annual income of at least $40,000. If cohabiting, both must possess photo identification with the same physical address with a combined annual income of at least $50,000. If single, you must be between the ages of 25-72, and have an annual income of at least $50,000.
We do not have facilities for children, pets, or uninvited guests at this time. Two forms of identification are required. Acceptable identification is a driver’s license/photo ID and a major credit card (Master Card, Visa, American Express or Discover) or an established checkbook. United States citizens only, limited to one premium per household. All recipients will be responsible for any applicable taxes associated with the premium they receive. No group travel is permitted. A group is considered more than one family traveling together to the same gifting location, with the same arrival dates. Awarding and Presentation start promptly so please arrive on time to be registered, and complete a brief travel survey.

Individuals not meeting these qualifications will not be allowed to receive the gifts.

If you would like to contact us, you may reach us at
(800-743-4814)


Event Planners at the Courtyard by Marriott, 1900 Connecticut Ave NW,
Washington, DC, 20009


Driving directions from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
· Head north on George Washington Memorial Pkwy.
· Take I-395 N to Rte 1 (14th St Bridge).
· Move to the far left lane on the bridge and follow the signs for 14th St.
· Head north on 14th St for nine blocks and turn left onto I St.
· Turn right onto 17th St, which becomes Connecticut Ave.
· Continue 10 blocks to the Courtyard on the left.

Driving directions from Washington Dulles International Airport:
· Head east on Dulles Airport Access Hwy.
· Continue east on I-66 to the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge (US-50).
· Take the Constitution Ave exit off of the bridge.
· Continue six blocks and turn left onto 17th St, which becomes Connecticut Ave.
· Continue to the hotel on the left.

Driving directions from Baltimore–Washington International Airport:
· Head west on I-195 and then south on I-95.
· Head west on I-495. Take exit 33B for Connecticut Ave heading south.
· Continue on Connecticut Ave and cross the William Taft Bridge.
· Proceed three blocks to the hotel on the right

**
PS- I googled the the tel #, no hit, I am supposed to be at their place while I am writing this.

[itsreal]

I'm heading to the event in Norwalk, Ct tomorrow afternoon with my wife. I'm married.

I've already won a Ford Explorer back in 1998. I've also won gas barbecue grills and handheld color TV's as well.

As long as you have the patience to listen to their 90-minute sales pitch and be able to say "no" some 20 times, you'll leave the place with a prize.

So, the worst I expect tomorrow is to leave with a 32" flat screen TV which I'm looking forward to placing in my Den !!

I'll let you guys miss out on your own, more prizes for me.

Listen UPPPPP,
Trent & Mary Brooks

[richardb]

I can't help wondering if some messages posted above were "planted" by operatives or agents of the entity engaging in this telemarketing campaign. Evidence? Decide for yourself. Excerpt from message # 26 above from "Batera":

"So, the worst I expect tomorrow is to leave with a 36" flat screen TV which I'm looking forward to place in my bedroom and throw away the old 20" I have there."

Excerpt from message # 37 above from "Trent & Mary Brooks":

"So, the worst I expect tomorrow is to leave with a 32" flat screen TV which I'm looking forward to placing in my Den !!"

Coincidence? Or deliberate and contrived effort to sow seeds of doubt where there ought to be none?

[Jen05]

My husband and I actually did go to this "90 minute presentation" in Gurnee, IL at a place called Harbor Resort, 5101 Washington St. Unit 4. We had won one of 5 major prizes, the top one being the Cadillac Escalade of course. We knew it was a timeshare presentation because we had been to them before, but we also know how the break the laws with their high pressure sales tactics...we know this because several years ago we were in a class action lawsuit with the timeshare we were deceived into purchasing....from that lawsuit we learned a lot of the "no-no's" that the sales people do to get you to purchase their timeshare. Even if they say that they are not selling a timeshare, but vacation ownership...it's still a timeshare repackaged. Anyway, getting back to Harbor Resort...we received the call from Leah Tyler at 1-800-936-6691, who explained what we could win just for attending. I knew we would win the 2 night getaway with air (because I think that is all they give away...I wonder if they even give any of the other gifts they say), but I was hoping to win something "bigger". Regardless, we figured that if we won the 2 night getaway (which we were sure to win), it included airfare and would be a nice getaway. Leah also told us that the trips would have a $50 per person REFUNDABLE deposit. She also said that when we got there, they would give us a WRITTEN guarantee of the "no obligation" policy BEFORE the presentation...needless to say we never received that.

We got there, filled out a questionaire form of how we travel. Went into a room and viewed a 10 minute video on vacation ownership, then went to sit down with a salesperson. We said no to the initial $12K price, they brought out the so called "owner" of Harbor Resort and went down to $7995...said no to that, they went down to $5995...said no to that, then $4995...said no to that, then the owners final offer was $2900, of which we said no. Then, they brought out a scratch-off ticket...we scratched it and it said we won the 2 night vacation...BIG SURPRISE there! So they brought us a Choose your Vacation Passport flier and kicked us out the door.

Upon getting home and reading the terms & conditions which said you have to submit the completed form along with a $4.95 processing fee (a fee which Leah Tyler never mentioned) in order to receive the Vacation Passport package with all the information to plan the getaway. Then, reading further on the terms and conditions, the last condition states that the Registration Activation Fee of $50 per person is non refundable (Leah Tyler told me it would be a fully refundable fee). So I called Leah Tyler several times to see if maybe I got the wrong prize, or she mislead me....of course, she never answered, so I left several voicemail messages, with no return call from her. After getting no response from her, I call Peter at Harbor Resort (luckily, I kept his number from when he called to verify our appointment & gave me his number in case we had any problems finding their office). Peter's number is 1-800-978-0585...I talked to him the first time and he said that he would check into it and call me back...he said I may have gotten the wrong vacation package. Well, he never called me back. I called again, and he wasn't in, so I left a message with the guy who answered for him to call me...he once again, didn't call me. I then called him again today, and he wasn't there, so I left a voicemail message and told him that if I don't hear from him I will be forced to report them to the BBB and Consumer protection. I also call Leah Tyler again and left a voicemail message telling her the same thing.

Some prize when you have to spend $100....you should never have to spend money to win anything. I could see a refundable deposit, to make sure you show up and use it, but nonrefundable...then did you really win anything?!?!

Oh, almost forgot...my claim number was ITC 2200, and when we got to Harbor Resort and I gave them my claim number they only wrote down ITC...they must keep track of the telemarketing company that makes the reservation (there were other ITC's on the list of people that came that day and there was another abbreviation, which I don't remember...must have been a different marketing company's abbreviation).

Also, The Vacation package that most, if not all, win is Choose Your Vacation Passport, which is administered and fulfilled by PTS Travel, 4802 Gunn Hwy., Suite 158, Tampa, FL 33624, 1-813-864-6606, email: ptsclub@ptstravel.com

Right now I am completely disgusted with Harbor Resort or Vacation Resort Management (whatever their name is). I will let you know if they resolve this or if I have to resort to the BBB and Consumer Protection.

P.S. The one thing I do know from our lawsuit with our timeshare, is that they are supposed to (by law) give you the prize right away, so that you don't feel pressured into sitting there under their high pressure sales tactics, in order to receive the prize.

If anyone has any more information about this/these companies and if they attended and won anything different than the 2 night vacation package, please let us know.
Thanks!
Jen

[ptblank]

Well, they're still at it. I received the call from "Kelly" this evening. I knew it was a scam because I never enter drawings for any thing. ( As a side note people, take it from a life long sales person, there is no such thing as a "free" drawing!) But, I wanted to see how people can be sucked in. Let me tell you, these people are good and I can see how some can fall for it. This one came from Regency Travel Company (RTC) complete with a local address and phone number 800-511-6933 ext 401. Even though caller ID was 708-758-2108. After playing along for a while I was finally asked if I would attend. I stated that I would check them out and if they were legitimate, then yes I would attend....then a funny thing happened...she hung up!...Go figure!

[admiral1701]

undefined hi joe, i too got a call from an unknown claim center, the newest number is 1- :) 800-977-7504 lucky me. i knew it was a scam because i dont enter into contests lol :)

[hez929]

The latest # is 1-815-834-2565. I was also told that I had won 1 of 4 major prizes and all I had to do was attend a 90 minute "lecture" and then would be given a scratch-off ticket to reveal whether or not I had won one these prizes:
1) $2500 cash
2) a 10 night trip to Hawaii
3) a 4 day Caribbean cruise
4) a 32" Toshiba flat screen tv
The woman who contacted me was Joanne Nasra. When I Googled the #, it came up w/ nothing. But, a reverse directory brought the # back to none other than...Joanne Nasra and an address in Illinois, which was in a different town other than the one she had stated in the e-mail, which was North Aurora, Illinois. By the way, the caller ID did show her name & phone #. Could it be that they are now cold calling from private homes? :confused: I also was given a claim # that began w/ ITC, for a presentation at the Event Planners at Comfort Suites, 11765 Business Park Dr., Waldorf, Maryland. There are so many similarities to your cases...right down to her saying that I had probably filled out the sweepstakes entry about a year and a half ago. I do fill out a lot of sweepstakes and enter contests, but I've never heard of one that lasts a year and a half. Maybe, I'm just being paranoid...but, it even crossed my mind about the whole credit card or checkbook ID verification thing, that maybe, they're video taping your arrival and phishing your card & bank account info. Something to think about though. Hope no one else gets scammed or wastes their time on this.

[melaniej714]

I have received 2 such calls this week. First from Mariah, who's call back # is 866-999-3703 X242, and from Bobby who called from 773-288-8031 and call back # of 800-710-0986 x328, both with the same pitch. I did a search for the numbers and found your blog. I haven't fallen for one of these types of scams yet, but I thought because my cell was on the do not call list, it might be true. Thanks for putting this info out there, I hope it helps others as well. Melanie

[csiisascam]

C'mon, people - a little common sense. ALL of these are scams, period.

You REALLY think someone is going to give you some kind of "prize", let alone a Cadillac Escalade, for nothing? MAYBE...if you entered some kind of LEGIT contest and were the 1 in 100,000,000 grand prize winner...otherwise, if you are on the DONOTCALL list, it is ILLEGAL for these scammers to be calling you.

END OF STORY.

[money4nought]

Somebody really should shut these people down, they are now even using premium rated phone lines on tv promising prizes will never win, almost making a gambling addiction out of them

[NOTASCAM]

:cool: I BELIEVE WHAT YOU GUYS ARE DOING IS A SCAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I DID ATTEND THE 90 MINUTE PRESENTATION. I SCRATCHED MY TICKET OFF AND TRUE I WON THE TRIP TO THE BAHAMAS. ME AND MY HUSBAND ATTENDED THE CRUISE AND REALLY ENJOYED IT. ALL I HAD TO PAY FOR WAS MY FLIGHT AND THE REST WAS ON THEM. YES, I BOUGHT IN ON THE TIMESHARE AND IT SAVES MY HUSBAND PLENTY OF MONEY ON HIS BUISNESS TRAVELS FOR HOTEL FARE. NOW WOULD YOU CALL YOUR STATE LOTTERY A SCAM? I MEAN YOU SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AND RECIEVE NOTHING IN RETURN ( AT THE MOST MAYBE $20.00) BUT, YOU CONTINUE TO PLAY. NOW, WHEN I CAN SCRATCH A TICKET OFF AND IT SAYS SOMETHING OTHER THAN NOTHING THEN I AM HAPPY. ALL THE TIME PEOPLE CLICKS ON DIFFERENT SITES ON THE INTERNET AND DO NOT READ THE FINE PRINT. SO I WOULDN'T CALL THAT A SCAM BECAUSE MY MEMORY WAS LOST AT THE MOMENT. NOW IF YOU WAS MISLEAD THAN THAT'S A DIFFERENT STORY. BUT, IN ALL HONESTY FOR THE PEOPLE WHO WENT DOWN THERE YOU CAME BECAUSE YOU WANTED TO SEE WHAT IT WAS ABOUT. SO IF YOU FEEL SCAMMED THEN YOU SCAMMED YOURSELF[/color]

[NOTASCAM]

Originally Posted by money4nought

Somebody really should shut these people down, they are now even using premium rated phone lines on tv promising prizes will never win, almost making a gambling addiction out of them

NO THEY SHOULD JUST SHUT YOU DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111

[NOTASCAM]

Originally Posted by admiral1701

undefined hi joe, i too got a call from an unknown claim center, the newest number is 1- :) 800-977-7504 lucky me. i knew it was a scam because i dont enter into contests lol :)

YOU SO DUMB THEY HAVE DIFFRENT SITES. SO HOW CAN THAT BE THE NEWEST NUMBER? LIKE THEY CHANGE NUMBERS EVERYDAY.

[NOTASCAM]

Originally Posted by hez929

The latest # is 1-815-834-2565. I was also told that I had won 1 of 4 major prizes and all I had to do was attend a 90 minute "lecture" and then would be given a scratch-off ticket to reveal whether or not I had won one these prizes:
1) $2500 cash
2) a 10 night trip to Hawaii
3) a 4 day Caribbean cruise
4) a 32" Toshiba flat screen tv
The woman who contacted me was Joanne Nasra. When I Googled the #, it came up w/ nothing. But, a reverse directory brought the # back to none other than...Joanne Nasra and an address in Illinois, which was in a different town other than the one she had stated in the e-mail, which was North Aurora, Illinois. By the way, the caller ID did show her name & phone #. Could it be that they are now cold calling from private homes? :confused: I also was given a claim # that began w/ ITC, for a presentation at the Event Planners at Comfort Suites, 11765 Business Park Dr., Waldorf, Maryland. There are so many similarities to your cases...right down to her saying that I had probably filled out the sweepstakes entry about a year and a half ago. I do fill out a lot of sweepstakes and enter contests, but I've never heard of one that lasts a year and a half. Maybe, I'm just being paranoid...but, it even crossed my mind about the whole credit card or checkbook ID verification thing, that maybe, they're video taping your arrival and phishing your card & bank account info. Something to think about though. Hope no one else gets scammed or wastes their time on this.

NO DUMMY JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE CALLING FROM A DIFFRENT AREA CODE THAT MEANS THEY ARE AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION. WHY WOULD THEY BE VIDEO TAPING YOUR ARRIVALS? I MEAN PLEASE TELL ME THE LOGIC IN THAT?

[NOTASCAM]

Originally Posted by JoeS

I recieved a call coming from an "Awards and Claims Center" saying that I filled out a form online and that my ticket was pulled for a Cadillac Escalade contest. They were going to award me one of their "top" major prizes. Red flags here if you listen to the message closely, it makes it sound like you've "won" a Cadillac when in fact you're going to be awarded a "top major prize."

Next, I looked up the phone number 866-999-3703 in Google and it came up as nothing. No data. I also did a reverse phone lookup and it was nothing to, although one of the reverse phone lookup sites claimed to have the info but wanted me to pay for it which I refuse to do.

Finally and I think this is the BIGGEST red flag of all is she left only her last name (Miss Parker) with the extension but didn't give the name of her company. When I called it, there was just a voicemail so I'm I assuming it's from the west coast since I called them around 10:30 am EST. I let her know to take my number off their list and that I didn't appreciate calls with little or no information since I did look up the number which came up blank.

If anyone has recieved calls like these and has any information on it, please share it with us. I HATE WHEN PEOPLE ARE SNEAKY AND DECEITFUL.

Again the number is 866-999-3703.

Thanks,

Joe

TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEY WAS PROBABLY LEAVING YOU A MESSAGE. IF YOU WOULD'VE WENT DOWN THERE THEN YOU WOULD'VE KNOWN WHO WAS CALLING YOU. RED FLAG WHY TRY TO LOOK UP SOMETHING IN GOOGLE WHEN YOU COULD'VE WENT DOWN THERE AND SEEN IF THEY WERE A SCAM OR NOT.