I just got a call from Robin Joseph (ID# 2682) at R&R Escapes this morning. They must have kept me on the phone for a half hour, trying to convince me to trust them, that their offer is legitimate, and that they need my checking account number to complete the transaction.
Here's their story: They said I was one of only 5000 people chosen to recieve their offer within 2-3 days of $800 in airline travel vouchers plus 2 free nights of hotel stays. This free trial offer is valid for 10 days, after which time I can cancel. The travel vouchers are free and have no expiry date. However, if I wish to continue with the program (to get other travel deals, hotel discounts, etc.) after the 10 day trial period, the cost is only $19/mo. Therefore, in order for them to process the transaction, they would need "more information".
They verified my name and address. I asked how they got my name, and they said I was shown to be a good account holder of something. They then asked which bank I do my checking with. I indicated Wachovia. Here's the more convincing part: they then spewed out the bank's routing number, which they asked me to verify on my checkbook. Of course it was accurate. Hmm, sounds like they must be a more legitimate source, doesn't it?! It was then they asked me to read off the account number next to the routing number. Nothing doing!
They then spent the rest of the conversation trying to convince me to trust them, that they cannot obtain any money from my account without my verbal authorization, that they are following bank laws, that they are not asking for a check number - just the account number...
When I asked if I could call my bank and verify that what they were telling me was true, they said sure... After they completed the transaction (after they had my account number, that is). They even said that I could put them on hold and call the bank, but they wouldn't be able to call me back if I disconnected them (as my name and number was dialed by their computer so they couldn't call me back). Uh-huh! The guy's supervisor even came on to assure me that everything was legit.
I said that I would be willing to give them my credit card number for this $19/mo fee should I keep their service past the 10 days. This way, I would be able to dispute any unauthorized charge and have the credit card company back me up. They were appauled that I would be willing to give out my credit card number but not my checking account number. "Don't you know that bank law stipulates that we can't deduct any unauthorized money from your account?"
I ended the call, giving them no information. = They asked if was okay to call me back. = I'll be surprised if they did.
As I was on the phone with them, I googled and yahooed they 800 number, which didn't pop up. After the call, I searched R&D and found this site. Thank you for having this! I also called the 800 number and got a voice recording for the 888 number posted by many of you. That number put me on hold for the next representative.
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