Thanks to Mary or Whangarei.
My home phone has been ringing at around 0630 for the past 3 days in a row. I have been ignoring it as "excuse me this is my valuable sleep time Anyway, I was foiled this morning when my flat mate slept walked and answered the phone. Lilly, it's for you, someone from America.
After reluctantly excusing myself from the scantily clad beach boys in my dream, I picked up the phone...
American Lady: "Oh my gosh" (in a thick American accent) "you have won a trip to the Bahamas. You are one of 11 lucky winners who entered the online competition. Isn't that fantastic"
Lilly (Me): Arrrh do you realise that it is 0630 in the morning here in New Zealand?
American Lady: Yes well it is 3pm in the afternoon here.
Basically, after a speal of about 5 minutes of what this prize package included she asked if I would be interested in talking to someone who would be able to arrange my tickets. I was then passed on to David Newbury.
David congratulated me and went on to confirm what I had already been told. Once again after another full on sales pitch I was told that all I had to do was give him my credit card details and he would deduct $900US (approx $1300NZ) from my card, and wasn't this a fantastic offer for a 15 day trip for me and three friends. Costing us approximately $325NZ each. I agreed that this was certainly a great price if all he had said was legitimate.
I continued to express my being uncomfortable with giving a total stranger my credit card details. David went on to assure me that everything was legitimate and that they were working with the likes of Disney, and Hilton Hotels and if he was not legit he wouldn't be working with these brands. I said that anyone could rattle of some house hold names, that doesn't mean he is legitimate. He then went on to say that the company has been running for over 20 years and this is what they do. He also said that there were approx 47 people around him at this particular time and the company was legitimate.
Obviously after much banter I still remained suspicious. I said OK, how about I call you back. He gave me his contact number and name, and said that he would get himself a coffee, and await my call. Meanwhile I called my ASB Bank, Credit Card Services.
I spoke to Credit Card Services, asked if they had heard of Astar Travel, and if they knew of any dodgy dealings. They said that they would get back to me. During this time my cell phone rang 3 times. Knock knock, who's there, David Newbury by chance?
I started doing some further research. My concern was if they were legitimate, what a fool I am for being sooo cautious. If they are not legitimate, what a fool I am for being so gullible.
At the end of the day, I see that these people are who they say they are, and they do offer packages. However after finding these articles from disgruntled customers and employees, I think that my caution has been a wise move.
Once again thank you to Mary from Whangarei.
So to everyone out there, just beware.
Happy Travel
Lilly
Auckland
New Zealand
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