I received a call today from someone from United Marketing Association. He stated that I had won a diamond encrusted watch and that I would be entered into a drawing for a BMW and a trip to anywhere I wanted in the US or abroad. I asked, "what's the cath?", and he said that he could assure me that there was no catch.
He then said that I only needed to answer a few survey questions for him. I was already suspicious, but I answered them. His questions were asking about what type of hobbies, where I liked to travel, what my favorite credit card was (Master Card or Visa). He then said that I had also won a complimentary subscription to 3 magazines for 60 months, and that they were going to send me an additional magazine (Time) for only $3.99 per month (also with a 60 month commitment).
I then questioned him about the 60 month commitment. He said that I could cancel at any time, but then said a few minutes later, "if you move or if you are going to be out of town, you can let us know and we will stop your subscription until you return or until we have you new address. Then the 60 month commitment would continue".
I told him that I was not interested at this time and he proceeded to tell me what a good deal this was and that I was under no obligation. (Wait a minute, didn't he just say I had to make a 60 month commitment?) I told him that I was not interested and that if he sent me something in writing to review, I would get back with him. (Didn't go over very well.) I told him to call me back after I had reviewed documentation from them. He again put pressure on my by telling me that unfortunately, this prize was only valid during this phone call and I didn't need to let this opportunity pass me by.
He said that any contact information would be included in a "Welcome Packet" that I would receive, but he wouldn't give me any other contact information on the phone.
He asked me what was holding me back to take this prize that I was being offered. I told him that I had recently been scammed, and I was very cautious about not letting that happen again. His response was, "I understand, but you can trust me..." (another red flag).
He then proceeded to tell me that they were a reputable company. However, I wanted to check them out first and I googled this company since I just happened to be sitting at my computer when he called. I told him that I had received some negative hits on them. He asked me if I was sure that the information was on his company and what websites did I find them on.
He wasn't even surprised when I told him that the very first hit I received was from usacomplaints.com. He totally ignored what I said and continued his pressurized sales pitch as if the information I found was bogus.
I also asked him if they were registered with the Better Business Bureau, and he said that he was new to the company and didn't know.
At this point, I became tired of playing games with him and I told him that I was not interested. I had to tell him that several more times before I finally said once and for all, I am not interested! Finally, the call ended because I hung up!
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