How can I tell if it's a scam?

spud30

I have received a letter in the post this morning from Seasons Holidays, congratulating me on winning a prize to the value of £2950.00 in last months My Offers/Seasons grand prize draw.

To authenticate my claim I need to ring an 0800 number between 12 noon and 8pm within 7 days.

Am I right in assuming this will be some sort of a a scam? How do I find out?

teenage_Drama

well if they ask for your credit card details then i think its a scam = \

inmypocketnottheirs

It will no doubt involve attending a timeshare presentation where you will be put under intense pressure to sign a purchase agreement.

Bossyboots

If you are subscribed to My Offers and entered a competition or draw, you may be okay and could have won a real prize. Give them a ring and see what they say. If they say you have to go to collect your prize then it is almost guaranteed to be a time share presentation as stated. Also, as teenage drama says, if they ask you to give financial details it could be a scam. Be on the alert but you don't really have anything to lose by ringing them, particularly if it is possible for you to have won something.

Techno

Hi This is the latest season's holiday prize. I think they are timeshares but you actually win one rather than pay BUT have to pay a management fee every year if you win the annual one - they mentionthe one you've won as a daily prize so there could be costs involved!!!! Good luck i hope it's genuine as I enter comps on my offers too.

Enjoy a two week holiday every year for the rest of your life! The first prize in this month’s Seasons Grand Prize Draw is a two week luxury timeshare package worth more than £7000, including first year’s management fees and free flights worth £500. Seasons Member Linda Robson, star of TV and stage, has agreed to draw our lucky winner! In addition we are also giving away a daily prize of a free Seasons timeshare week worth £2950. UK or overseas, the choice is yours with Seasons!

Winners will never have to pay for accommodation again – just the cost of travel plus an annual management fee of just £322 per week of ownership (2006 rate) which guarantees the very high standard of your resorts and facilities. The management fee for 2006 is included in our first prize plus £500 to spend on flights organised by the Seasons Travel Club to any one of our resorts.

Mrs_Thrify

Hi spud30
I thought you might like to hear my tale... not quite the same as yours...
I had a phone call yesterday, to say I had won a beauty makeover it London. on Regent street no less!The girl went on to explain what a marvellous day I would have and all sounded very good - untill she said I would have to pay a refundable deposit there and then (to make sure I turn up). Quick as a flash I replied "if it is a prize I don;t pay anything". She soon said goodbye!
So listen to the golden rule - if they ask for money it is a scam!
Best Wishes...:p

spud30

Thanks everyone.

I've just lost my job, so will be lucky to get a day out this year, never miind a holiday.

Don't think I will be ringing to claim !!

Techno

Give them a ring - it's an 0800 number so you've got nothing to lose. It reckons there are destinations in Britain as well as overseas so you can drive there so no expensive flight and even if you have to sit through a couple of hours presentation - keep your hand in your pocket and tell them you can't afford it. Just make sure you get all the conditions in writing (like do you have to buy food fom them etc.) then you can decide if it's worth your while

lisyloo

even if you have to sit through a couple of hours presentation - keep your hand in your pocket and tell them you can't afford it

Be very careful with this.
I have heard they are VERY high pressure.

I nearly went to an auction before where they shut the doors behind us and had big burly guys on the door.
I didn't like the idea of being shut in so I left before it started whilst the doors were still open to keep people in.

They can't physically force you to stay but they may not give you details of the prize until the end so tat makes it difficult to leave.

All I'm saying is be careful.
You will have to be absolutely 100% determined to get out unscathed.

In_Search_Of_Me

Just ring and see - nothing to loose with a freephone no and if they ask for money just hang up! Could be genuine & if you dont ring you'll always wonder...!!

Sallys_Savings

I received the same letter as yourself, and "won" the same prize.and so did someone else on here. Its on the boards somewhere.
I did phone up (as it was a free phone number) ..you have to pay over £300 for the maintenance fees for the year and extra for your fllights too.

You can only choose from england destinations and a few in europe in your first year.

I personally didnt feel it was a prize so declined, but obviously its your choice.