I've won a Seasons Holidays Prize

Is that it? Just seven nights?

I recieved a letter today. Yes it is a con - they are a timeshare company who know what they are doing - I found the following elsewhere on the site:

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

I would like to know who i can report this to; so they can be fined more in the future!

God, I'm so gutted!

I got one of these today and genuinely believed I had won a holiday.

My husband and I have 4 kids....2 of whom are severly disabled and haven't had a holiday in 18 years.

Now I'm so glad that my instincts told me to check on here for any potential scams.

I may be gutted, but at least I'm not out of pocket.

Thanks to all for this post.

Yes, it is a scam, ended up costing me and my then partner over £1000.

Interestingly the fact they have been prosecuted in Carmarthenshire seems not to have made any difference whatsoever, I live in Carmarthenshire and just received a letter (recorded delivery) dated 27th August, inviting me to call Sandra on 0 8 0 0 4 4 8 4 4 8 to authenticate my prize win (worth £3750) and an invitation to a day at the races at Sandown Park Racecourse to watch the Tingle Creek Steeplechase and enjoy champagne brunch etc hosted by Derek Thompson (the face of channel 4 racing).

I will be reporting this directly to Carmarthenshire Trading Standards.........

What a cheek!!