Funkyfogey/Seasons Holidays Competition

sylviesinc

I received one of these letters today by recorded delivery so I had to sign for it, making it appear very important.

I have had one in the past, however, and, at the time, I did ring and ask for all the details. Yes, there are more payments to make and I've no doubt lots of people are happy to make them. I don't think it is a scam, having read many posts by people who are members and do go on these holidays and all the costs are specified. I am sure that there are genuine holidays available and maybe you will save money by being in the "club" but..........it just isn't for me.

markeymark

i got a letter 2day as well saying id won to the value of £3750

said they are gonna email me the details etc

they did mention the maintenance fee of £220 per year

still very cautious about this company

but they do promise a full refund if not happy

markeymark

change that last post, found some more info on them...............

COMPANIES FINED FOR ‘FREE’ HOLIDAY’ SCAM

Companies behind a “free holiday” con have been successfully prosecuted by Carmarthenshire County Council trading standards officers.
Seasons Holidays Plc along with Vacation World Ltd and Direct Tours and Travel Ltd appeared before Carmarthen magistrates on Monday, August 12, accused of making misleading price claims, contrary to the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
Vacation World had been cold-calling people to tell them they had won a free holiday.
But those taking up the offer were later informed that the offer was conditional in that they would have to pay a £39 per person administration charge and attend a Seasons holiday sales presentation at Laugharne Park or another venue.
Those attending were given, by Seasons, glossy leaflets from Direct Tours and Travel, which stated: “This is a guaranteed holiday for just £39 per person, with no strings attached!”
However after couples had sent off the non-refundable £78 they had to wait for their preferred holiday, which was usually not what was offered, involving more conditions and charges.
In one case charges of between £59 and £279 were claimed as seasonal supplements. There were also flights supplements, depending on the departure airports.
Consumer complaints to the companies were generally ignored.
On investigating these complaints Carmarthenshire trading standards officers were given little co-operation from Seasons, who offered no explanation for their actions.
Officers found that Direct Tours and Travel used the promotional material despite being advised not to by Hertfordshire trading standards because of its misleading content.
It became evident that despite being three separate companies, there were strong links between them with the common aim of trying to sell timeshare for Seasons.
Head of Public Protection Philip Davies said: “ This investigation has been the accumulation of various enquiries into the promotional activities of Seasons over the years.
“They have never shown any inclination to work with enforcement agencies, as in this case, by ignoring advice, and consequently we had no hesitation in prosecuting.
“The penalties imposed reflect their behaviour and apparent disregard for misleading consumers as to the final costs of taking up their holiday offer.”
Magistrates stated that they gave the companies credit for their guilty pleas, but fined Seasons Holidays plc £12,000 plus costs of £2,053. Vacation World Ltd were fined £2,000 plus costs of £500 and Direct Tours & Travel Ltd were fined £4000 plus costs of £500.
The solicitor for the companies claimed the problems arose because they had outgrown their control systems and said action was being taken to prevent similar problems in the future.
NOTES TO EDITORS: For more information contact Sam Burson, press assistant, on 01267 224 114.

Last Updated: 16/8/2002

an1179

Take a l@@k at this

http://www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk/eng/index.asp?locID=1&docID=3539

smartt21

smartt21 wrote: »

Thank to everyone for the posts about Seasons. As a real comping newbie it was great to be able to come on site to check it out when I received the "you have won a prize to the value of £3750" letter. It has now been filed in the shredder, Thanks again.:beer:

Had another letter today offering to pay 50% of the fee. Sorry, followed the original into the shredder. :rotfl:

cheesesliceking

just got one of these letters today, would like to know where they got my details from..

The letter is fairly convinving, sending it registered post was a nice touch.. however it falls down when they use terms "you have won a prize to the value of"...

either ive own £3750 or a used Corsa, whichever it is if it were to be genuine it would say which.
:rolleyes:

blythsaver

Though Seasons have been fined they are still sending out recorded delivery invitations , saying the recipient (me) has won a free holiday worth £3750. I guess more paper for the shredder!

SouthernSoftie

Yep, I got the second letter the other day, wondering why I hadn't taken them up on their offer and then offering to pay 50% of the maintenance charge.

It followed the other letter into the shredder.:D

Old_Wifee

Just had to let you know that I just got one of these letters sent by recorded delivery which hubby had to sign for. (Saturday Morning)

Visions of touring the casinos in Las Vegas and letting my family use the property when I didnt want a holiday that year. Just a niggling suspicion that it was really a scam so looked at their website (Seasons Holidays) but couldnt find Las Vegas(thats the holiday).

Now I have found this thread I know exactly what to do. They wont be getting my phone call or 300quid a year either.

Thank you everyone and MSE ( very informative)

janie63

My son signed for exactly the same letter today! Should I inform someone-trading standards? or have they done nothing wrong..................