Unsure if win or scam

bibopalubop · 13 August 2014 at 4:01PM

I have just had a phonecall to say I have won a makeover and photoshoot worth £200.
He explained how the day would pan out very quickly and said I would need to make a payment of £5 (non refundable) when I book as this stops people from not turning up on the day although he wasn't pressuring me too much to book there and then.
I asked him how I had won and he said I must have clicked on the tick box on a survey which entered me into the competition - I can't find it on the forum anywhere.

When I asked if he could send me an email with all the information on he said it's all on the website and I can look on that.
Also the number he rang me on is not the one that is on the website.
Please can I have some advice on what to do?

P.s. Sorry about the essay

snakepilsen · 13 August 2014 at 4:05PM

The pressure sales starts when the photos are taken

snakepilsen · 13 August 2014 at 4:06PM

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4431745

hazyjo · 13 August 2014 at 4:07PM

Have seen a lot of these types of wins in the past - as snakepilsen says, they will give the hard sell afterwards!

It's a bit like getting a free holiday when you go along to a four hour timeshare intro meeting!

If you want a pic of you like that, great. Might get a deal. But it'd never be something I'd enter or accept.

Jx

bibopalubop · 13 August 2014 at 4:13PM

He did tell me that I get a disc with all my photos on with no extra charge but I would want this confirming before I did book.

I'm just concerned that there is no photoshoot and it's just a scam to get my card details over the phone.

melski1989 · 13 August 2014 at 4:29PM

I had a phone call just like this a year or so back, exact same 'prize' - the guy was very forthright and pressurising about claiming, and asked for a deposit payment over the phone which was an immediate no-no for me. I said I wasn't interested any more and hung up. I'd rather miss out on a photoshoot than get scammed, plus like you I couldn't remember entering a competition like that anyway. Figured it was a company who had got my number somewhere, knowing that I enter comps a lot.

mememe23 · 16 August 2014 at 3:26PM

I fell for one of these 'prizes' when I was 18. They take a load of pics, but then seriously pressure you to buy them. I went with my sister & we were actually quite scared by how pushy they were. They are ridiculous prices too. I would say to avoid it.

lajoux · 16 August 2014 at 3:37PM

Avoid. The words 'not touching' and 'bargepole' immediately come to mind. As others have said, once the photo session is over you will be badgered into buying vastly overpriced prints. Additionally, anybody who asks you for your card details over the phone should be treated with the utmost suspicion unless you are entirely sure of their bona fide credentials.

SparklinDiamond · 17 August 2014 at 11:35AM

I agree with what everyone else is saying. However, I am one of the few people who have been to one of these with my best friend and had one of the best days ever. The makeup was amazing, the photoshoot was fun we even went outside for some pics and yes the guy at the end was pushy, but if you are aware that it's gonna cost a lot at the start and your willing to pay for decent pics then its not that bad. I managed to haggle him down a few hundred quid and actually acidentally got an extra photo off him. Me and my friend are really pleased with the results, so i can't really complain. If you;re into fashion, photography and modelling and have a few hundred pound to spare on amazing pictures then go for it. But be aware that's what it costs. But I can't wait till I;m older and show everyone how I looked at 21 ahaha!

System · 17 August 2014 at 12:53PM

I personally wouldn't go for it either. As others have said, they can be very pushy and if you can't handle that well, you could potentially get yourself in to a bit of a mess. My friend went for one last year and they pressured her in to paying for something she couldn't afford and ended up with 1k debt on her credit card because of it. Its easy to say ''I won't let them do that'' but it does happen. Just be careful.. xx

KJaybaby · 17 August 2014 at 12:57PM

I agree with SparklinDiamond that I have been on one of these and had an amazing time and got some fab pics from it (at no extra cost). I think you need to check out which company you have won with and that will give a better idea of whether or not they are scam artists (most on here will advise if they are dodgy if you name them!) - if the prize definately includes a disc of all the images and you are under no obligation to purchase I would consider going for it - but ask if you can send the £5 deposit cash rather than give any card details!!! Hope you get it sorted!