I am an American living in Canada, and have recieved MANY unsolicited calls from "Best USA Vacations." When you first pick up the phone you hear a prerecorded voice saying, "Congratulations! You've won a free all inclusive trip to the Bahamas and Florida, press nine to claim your prize."
The first time, I actually pressed nine to inquire about the "free prize" all the while remaining skeptical. I was connected to a man who could barely speak english who kept saying, "I need to confirm you are a VISA holder. Think about all the free drinks m'am. All the food you can eat. I just need your VISA number." I told him I did not want to be contacted by them again and to put me on their DO NOT CALL list. He said "certainly m'am." and did not leave a 1-800 number or state what company he represented.
Over the next month, I recieved 13 more calls from this "unknown" company. It comes up "unknown" on my caller ID and so does my friend's cell number, so I always answer it. I would come home from work evry day practically and have a message from these people, the same "congratulations! Yadda yadda." When I was lucky enough to be home when they called, I would again ask to be put on a "Do Not Call" list.
After the third request I informed the person that I used to work for a credid card company in the states and that by them calling me they were violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA look it up on the net, it's useful to know your rights). At this point the unidentified person screamed at me and said "WE HAVE A TWO YEAR WAITING LIST FOR DO NOT CALLS!" I said this was crap, and stated the policies in the TCPA that all telemarketers MUST abide by, and he said, "you think you know everything don't you?" and at this point I screamed "Don't call me again!" and hung up.
I didn't get another call for almost a week, but then low and behold, it happened again. This time I pressed nine as usual and demanded to speak to a manager. Some man got on the phone and said, "What's your problem?" I said, "what's your name?" and he said, "John Abrams" and rudely screamed "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM!?" I told him exactly what my problem was and asked what company he represented and he said, "Best USA Vacations" and I said, "Good, now I can persue litigation against your company for violating the TCPA." and he said "why" and I said, "because you keep calling my house!" and he arrogantly yelled back " SO? DEAL WITH IT!" and slammed the phone down and hung up on me.
At this point I was irate. I went on the internet and found their website and contact info. I called and spoke to a woman who said this number was only a middle man and processed the transactions and that I should just "hang up" when they call. I said, "No, I have the right to not be called by your company anymore and you are in violation of the TCPA." SHe blew me off and said, "too bad." I called back and asked to speak to a manager, and this woman said, "what do you want me to do about it?" and I told her that I would be informing the Winter Park FL police department her demeanor changed and said, "Yes Miss Cathy, no one will call your house any more." I then called the police dept. And they are investigating them for Credit Fraud and I also informed the FCC of their TCPA violations.
These calls all just took place yesterday, so I will keep you updated. This company needs to be shut down, and from what I've read above, they are Fraudulent through and through and Florida and VISA should not let them operate anymore!
Cathy
stuart town, NorthWest Territories
Canada
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