Just received a phone call from 312-546-4527 (Illinois call), and the woman on the other end stated that she had called to inform me that my name had been drawn to win a Jeep Cherokee at a local mall (which I didn't enter), and that I was now a guaranteed top 4 winner. She stated that her name was Christine Lee, and that she was not trying to sell anything, and that all I had to do to claim my prize was call the number 877-394-5574 and speak to Mr. Russell to arrange a pick up day and time. Sounds fishy to me.
Now the return phone number has changed. They wanted me to call Mr. Russell at 877-258-8571. They're on the move. Here's the FTC complaint website if you want to report them: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/
A woman named "Brenda Smith" left me a message on my answering machine telling me the same as everyone above has reported - "entry selected as a winner for a Ford Escape or other prizes. Please call 1-877-258-8571" to claim. She listed my name and address on the message, too.
Just got the same call, that I had filled out something on line to win the Ford Escape. No I did not! Same thing, call Mr Russell @ 877-258-8571. Before I could ask a question, she said congratulations and hung up. Super Scam!!
This is what they emailed after i spoke to them, WHAT A JOKE AND A SCAM !!!!
We would like to congratulate you for being a recipient of one of our gifts. As a guaranteed recipient of one of our gifts, you are going to receive a Sweepstakes Scratch-Off ticket. This ticket will reveal one of the major gifts you will receive. Be sure to arrive on time and good luck!
YOU HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO RECEIVE ONE OF THE MAJOR GIFTS!
§ Brand New Ford Escape Vehicle Or $25,000 Retail Value
§ $2500 In Cash To Spend Any Way As You Wish
§ 3 Days/2 Nights Vacation In Mexico W/ Roundtrip Airfare For 2 Adults
§ 32 Inch Flat Screen Color Television
AGAIN, YOU ARE GUARANTEED ONE OF THE MAJOR GIFTS.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY, SIGN OR JOIN ANYTHING.
THIS IS NOT A TIMESHARE.
If you would like to contact us, you may reach us at
(Call Back #1-877-258-8571) Bill Russell
Sound Too Good To Be True?
As a full service travel agency with offices nationwide, we are fully aware of the often-quoted adage, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” Unfortunately, these days, we all have a right to be suspicious and should be cautious.
Allow us to explain why and how we offer gifts worth hundreds to thousands of dollars...
We have experimented with direct mail, and do you know, the national average is that 300 letters are mailed in order to get just one guest to attend our introductory seminar?
Did you know that a 60-second commercial on network TV during prime time runs between $12,000 and $80,000, depending upon the show, the time slot and the season?
We have considered newspaper advertising and you might be surprised to learn that a half ad in the Sunday travel section can cost over $12,000.00.
We explained all that to say this: This is actually the most cost effective for us to give you a quality gift package than to spend tens of thousands of dollars on advertising and advertising agencies. If we were to spend all that money on commercials or printed advertising, you may or may not ever see it; and most importantly, most likely would not ever respond.
The bottom line, it is more cost effective for us (and more beneficial to you) to spend our advertising budget on a nice gift for you than some expensive advertising campaign or promotion that may or may not work.
Finally, you should also know that we would not risk our reputation by attempting to deceive you. We have been in business for years, are members of numerous industry and civic organizations and associations and fully bonded, registered, and insured. What to expect while you are here: you will hear a brief discussion on our discount travel and various worldwide vacation opportunities for your entire family. We will show you how to create your fantasy vacation in comfortable, exotic locations, at affordable prices.
Our representative will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in any way possible. Expect to be in and out 90 minutes or less; upon completion of the presentation, gifts will be awarded. No children or guests allowed because of insurance purposes.
Terms and Conditions
This promotion is open to a selected few of adults involved in a relationship between the ages of 35-75 and have a combined annual income of at least $50,000. Both must be present with proof of living together (IDs or mail). Two forms of identification are required. Acceptable identification is a driver’s license/photo ID and a major credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). You may print and bring this Confirmation Letter with you, if possible. Items you need to bring: Gift Code #ITC HOW and 2 forms of identification. IDs will never leave your hand.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to be registered.
Something about winning a ford explorer after submitting an online contest. Not even close to be legitimate. The number asks you to call a 866 number afterwords, scam. They addressed me by my address and name, something tells me this is what I get for signing up for free Maxim. Other scam calls have come from Illinois too. I assume that address and names are being sold from either Maxim or their advertisers. This is why I am switching to google voice, so I can block these numbers. Shows up as Griffin, R.