Deposit for makeover at photography studio

Susan_Searle

I have won a competition to have a makeover and my photo taken. I was called on my mobile and told that I had to put a deposit of £50 but would get it back - it was just in case I didn't turn up for my appointment. I wasn't keen to give my card details over the phone, but the lady was very nice and seemed genuine. They gave me a provisional date in May which I couldn't attend. I have given them another date in June which is also provisional as the prize was for me and a guest. I then received an email stating that it was £50 per person deposit and I wouldn't receive the deposit back until 2 weeks after the appointment. I would also not get the deposit back if I cancelled. The date is not until 21 June and they have already taken the £100 out of my account. I now feel that I don't want to go because I now feel I have to go or I will lose £100. Surely if the appointment is over 2 months away, they shouldn't have taken the money out, and if I cancel now, it gives them plenty of time to get the appointment filled, and therefore I should get my deposit back. What should I do?

artbaron

You shouldn't have paid them. Does it sound reasonable to you that you should be fined £100 for not accepting a competition prize? First, read the competition T&Cs that you signed up. If this mentions a deposit then you'll have to go along with it. If not, I'd demand it back.

Apples2

Susan_Searle wrote: »

I What should I do?

Stop making stupid decisions and go throwing your account details at the first chancer to call your number!!

Did you even enter a competition??

Oh, hang on,the lady did seem nice so maybe I am mistaken. It must be genuine.

More disaster awaits you, the more you keep falling for this scam.

mjm3346

A couple of threads on this type of "Win"



http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=2301405


http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=179156

Equaliser123

Not another....

pinkshoes

I'm guessing you didn't enter the competition, as this is a common "scam"...

When you turn up, they will take some fantastic photos, but the cheapest will be twice the deposit, and they will spend HOURS bullying you into buying more, and do anything they can to keep your deposit.

I'd just go to the appointment anyway, and DO NOT take any method of payment with you. No matter how nice the photos are, SAY NO! Just enjoy the day instead, then insist on the £100 deposit back.

Amistoso_2

(shakes head) why would anyone just give out bank/card details to some random person on the phone, it never fails to amaze me just how foolish some people can be.
Also, you should never have to part with any cash for a legitimate competition prize, OP I think your probably best taking pinkshoes advice and learn from this to be more carefull in future...

DCFC79

In conjunction with taking pinkshoes advice you should get rid of your phone and cards until you can learn not to give away bank details to anyone who calls you up

Equaliser123

What is the guarantee that the OP will not be back.

artbaron

Ah, I missed the bit where it wasn't an actual competition. Although I can't really imagine anybody falling for this nonsense it appears that some people do. Amazing.

Valli

Amistoso wrote: »

(shakes head) why would anyone just give out bank/card details to some random person on the phone, it never fails to amaze me just how foolish some people can be.
Also, you should never have to part with any cash for a legitimate competition prize, OP I think your probably best taking pinkshoes advice and learn from this to be more carefull in future...

and change your username here, while you're at it!