I got similar call from Christopher this evening - same number and the caller ID read "Group Mitchell". He said we (he did not refer to any name) won one of four top prizes and need to call back, apparently he has been trying to reach us regarding a contest entry (? don't recall one for "four top prizes" from nameless entity) filled out within the last 18 months (why the last 18 months? like that's going to convince me?).
SCAM ALERT.
Called saying that I won one of the top 4 major prizes and to call 877-279-3457 with extension. Maybe I filled something out and won. If not, it's some sort of scam to get you to show up and learn more about their travel agency. I have no clue, but it's annoying.
Got this call on Wednesday, Nov 3, 2010, at 12:15pm CT (and because I have a voice mail service, I even have an mp3 of the call). All I can say is no, I did not enter a contest. Back in college I worked for a market research company and I know all about the "entry" forms ending up as marketing tools, and as a result I never enter. In my experience these types of company do give out a prize conforming to the prize listed (the cheapest one, of course, is the 1/1 odds while the big gifts are 1/1,000,000). Even the great offers, though, like the 3 day trips (and I have gone on one to Reno) subjects you to hours of high pressure sales. Not worth it. Here's the call (and no, they never tried to reach me before or I'd have a 2nd phone service mp3, along with an email and text transcription showing it):
Hi. This is Fred Jackson calling from Faithful Marketing. I have made numerous attempts to reach you regarding an entry form filled out in your name within the last sort of 12-18 months to win a new car. This would be my final attempt to notify that your name was pulled as a winner and you are going to receive one of our top 4 major prizes. It would be in your best interest to give me a call back as soon as possible. My toll free number is 1-866-312-9553 x 243. We're not a telemarketing agency or time share this is not a cold call, so please do not ignore this message. I'm very aware of the "do not call" list so I wouldn't be calling unless you actually entered. This is a time sensitive matter. I do look forward to hearing from you. Once again, congratulations. My name is Fred Jackson. Thank you.
Yeah, got a left message from Christopher, from (he said) VANTEL COMMUNICATIONS, but his Caller ID came up as 'Prize Card Service'. Today's the last day I can claim my totally free new car, and I should call back to: 866-312-9453, ext. 109.
Filed with the Do Not Call registry, and would suggest everyone else that got a call from them, should file.
I got similar call from Christopher this evening - same number and the caller ID read "Group Mitchell". He said we (he did not refer to any name) won one of four top prizes and need to call back, apparently he has been trying to reach us regarding a contest entry (? don't recall one for "four top prizes" from nameless entity) filled out within the last 18 months (why the last 18 months? like that's going to convince me?).
SCAM ALERT.
This same guy has called my house 4 times in the last three days, everytime my husband or myself has answered he says I'm sorry I have the wrong number. Caller id says it's Prize Card Services, but the guy never asks our name , says he has the wrong number and hangs up. I think he is hoping for an elderly person to answer. I tried to ask him who he is looking for but he hangs up immediately. Tried to call him back but he wont answer.