Almost the exact same scenario which occured to Jennifer also happened to me this afternoon! I received a call with an automated american voice saying that someone at my residence had been selected and won a holiday in Florida, with all accomadation provided. I was then transferred through to a man called "Waine Duncan" who explained at length all the details of the package and what it included, ie. 6 days at Calypso Cay luxury resort for 2 people, with 2 passes to a theme park of my choice. $500 discount on shopping, followed by 3 days on a cruise in Daytona.
I was extremely reluctant and at this point the man told me that it would cost me $598, after all the discounts & that I could use it within 12 months.
I was still highly unconvinced and said I couldn't afford it and so they transferred me through to a woman called "Penelope" who offered me $299 for the whole package and said that they would "extend" the package to 18months. I then said I wouldn't be able to pay for such an amount in one lump sum anyway, and she said that they would put me through to a "travel co-ordinator" who was affilliated with Mastercard and would help me work out a payment method where I could pay it off in intervals.
She then transferred me through to a different man, who said that they could make an arrangement with the credit card company, but first he would have to verify the card details. He said that nothing was authorised until I completed the "verbal recording", but he would just need to confirm my mastercard. He took the card details, and went to "setup" the recording.
I was completely suss, and as soon as he returned I straight out said I didn't want to go through with it and that I didn't want there product at all. I told him I was not interested. He then transferred me to a "team leader" who said he would extend the package to "24 months" and would also throw in free accomadation in a resort in Cancun for 5 nights, which I could "sell on ebay to cover the $299 cost of the original offer".
Once again I repeatedly told him I WAS NOT AT ALL INTERESTED AND DIDN'T WANT IT. He then transferred me through to penelope the woman from earlier and she again tried to force it on me. I butted in and said I didn't want it at all and that I was worried that they were going to charge me for something I hadn't agreed to. She asked me if I had completed the verbal recording and given my authorisation and I said no I hadn't. And she told me then I definitely wouldn't be charged. I then asked how can I be sure you won't charge me? All she said was that we are a company with integrity and wouldn't do that and then hung up!
Straigh away I rang my credit card company, and low and behold there was a transaction pending for $397.77 from the last 15minutes! The $299 price was of course in USD.
I am trying to dispute the whole thing through the bank, but so far it has been pretty futile!
Kathryn
Yarraville
Australia
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