Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Have just had the same phone call from 01258 555 095,same blah blah you’ve won first prize by completing a questionare in Walsall. Ring 0871 222 8028 to claim my free 5* luxury holiday, all expenses paid, all inclusive. Also if I ring within 15 minutes I will get £50.00 of high street vouchers. Sounded too good to be true and it seams it is. Lucky I checked the web first, so thanks!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I just wanted to thank you for this website – I had a call from the same people, asking me to ring 0871 222 8028 as I had won an all expenses paid holiday etc.

All this despite when questioned I said no to being married – something which the woman told me was required…

The guy on the phone told me to ring immediately, and he would call me back tomorrow to check I had rung the number. I told him not to bother, and I would ring as asked.

However, I checked on the internet first, found this and many other websites saying how it was one big con (anything that sounds too good to be true invariably is) and saved myself what would have been a very expensive phone call.

Thank you.

Using Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.4 on Windows XP

I had one of these phone calls a few weeks ago. I asked them outright if it was timeshare and they denied it. I didn’t phone the other number, mainly because I was busy. I told my husband about it that evening when he came home and he said a workmate had had the same, had made the phone call and had been asked to attend a presentation at Bellevue in Manchester.

The next day when they phoned me to ask if I’d rung the number they’d given me I told them I hadn’t and told them that I knew about the presentation in Manchester and that it was for timeshare. The caller just said “Oh, alright then.” and hung up.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Had one of these calls last year.
I said ‘WOWIE, Ive never won anything like that. Whats the catch?’
Told there wasnt a catch.
Then I was told to go to a Time Share complex.
‘Do you have a regular income of £10,000 a year?’
‘Oh yeahhhh!’
Does an invalid have that?
‘GOOD BYE’.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Ian’s Note: I don’t want to be called biased, so here is a comment in favour of GVC, however, I would point out that Jade posted it from a Telewest IP address located, in guess where? Basildon, the home of GVC!! I smell a rat.
She also came to this page by entering “01268 555095″ into Google. Not something you would expect a happy customer to be doing.
I’ll leave it to you to judge whether this is an authentic customer.
P.S. The wonderful punctuation, grammar and spelling is all Jade’s.

if you all could be bothered to spare 2 hours you would get your holiday .. i had the call i guessed it was timeshare but i booked an appointment anyway just to get my letter .. i got it .. i had it all in black and white and made a back up copy before i left just incase they tried to take it frm me .. it was a boring 2 hours but at the end of it i said no ands i still got my holiday? dont rele see the problem .. they told me and the letter stated no obligations and it was true .. holiday was quite nice as it goes .. took it a couple months back i chose where and wen i went .. in 13 months ill definatly be goin back to claim another one

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had a similar experience to all the deceived people above. Glad I checked the phone number out here. Scam now operating in Tamworth.

Using Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.8 on Windows XP

Hello all, this is a great resource. I got cornered into doing a survey in the centre of Sheffield (where I work) a couple of weeks ago. Luckily, it didn’t take long, but I do remember the woman doing the survey not being very friendly and not making eye contact. Anyway, a couple of days ago, a call came through on the same number (01268 555095) and my girlfriend took the call as I was ot back from work. She asked to take a message and the woman at the other end just said she was called Christine (I think). She would not give the company name when asked. Anyway, luckily, I’m not really the holiday type, but I will inform my girlfriend, and look forward to taking the call myelf if they call back. I will take great pleasure in saying “Look, I’ve seen all about your scam on the web, so you can tell me what you like… bye… bzzz!” Thanks again for this great source of information. Seems they are getting into every town to do this cr*p surveys. Cheers, Jason.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

HI IAN

MANY THANKS, HAVE COME ACROSS THESE SCUM BAGS BEFORE IN 1997. £7000 WANTED FOR POINTS WHICH BUY TIMESHARE WEEKS WHICH THEY WANTED TO GET SIGNED UP ON A HP AGREEMENT. IT’S NOTHING BUT PAY ,PAY, PAY, EVEN FOR THE SO CALLED ‘FREE FLIGHTS’, DON’T MAKE ME LAUGH.!!!!! EVEN WHEN WE SAID WE COULD NOT GO ABROAD THEY TRIED EVERYTHING TO GET US TO TAKE A BREAK IN THE COUNTRY TO ‘TRY THE FACILITIES’. WE SOON CHANGED OUR MINDS IN THE 14 DAY ‘COOLING OFF’ PERIOD, BUT THIS DID NOT DETER THEM, THEY WERE VERY HEAVY HANDED AND i HAD TO LIE IN THE END AND SAY THE MAIN WAGE EARNER WAS BEING MADE REDUNDANT JUST TO STOP THE CALLS. UNETHICAL CON ARTISTS THE LOT OF THEM.
THANKS FOR THE WARNING THEY ARE ON THE PROWL AGAIN.

CHEERS KAREN

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Saturday 2nd December 2006

I have just had a call from a lady at Easy Travel on 01268 555095 informing me that after having answered a couple of questions in the High Street i have won a luxury holiday (pay for my own flights) and some vouchers. I just need to ring 0871 222566, the call will cost me 30p. Thanks to everyone for posting their warnings on the net.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I wish I’d found this site before – I’m not sure who called me as it was a withheld no but I got a call telling me that after entering an online competition (which I had) I’d won 2nd prize of a week in Spain or Turkey with 7 nights hotel and flights for 4 people, all paid for. I had to phone a freephone no and quote a code. I was suspicious but couldn’t find anything about a free phone no on the net so I called it, but couldnt get thru at 1st. I tried another couple of times and finally got through, and surprise surprise, it was for a timeshare. Free flights and 7 nights self-catering for up to 4 people in Tenerife, Austria, Turkeyor Spain – I just had to pay £30 booking fee for each ticket and attend a presentation with my partner. I told them I wasn’t interested. I just hope it really was a free phone number.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Have just had the same phone call from 01258 555 095,

Same script – you’ve won first prize by completing a questionare in Wigan.

Ring 0871 222 8028 to claim my free 5* luxury holiday, all expenses paid, all inclusive.

Also if I ring straight away I will get £50.00 of high street vouchers.

Sounded too good to be true.

So glad I checked it out on the Web first.

Thanks to everyone for posting their comments.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had a phone cal from 01268 555 095, giving me all the spill about winning free holiday blah blah bla. I asked if it was timeshare, they replied “no, we are family run business and rely on word of mo9uth for future booking”. I checked the company out ( choose travel was name given) on this website and guess what? I wont be making a phone call. Thanks for the warning.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

they are now using a new number 0871 222 2566

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I got the call today and surprise surprise I was told that I had won first prize after filling in survey in Liverpool at Christmas. I got given the 0871 222 2566 number to ring to ‘claim’ my free 7 day luxury holiday, but first I would have to attend a meeting/presentation in Newton Le Willows! I also did 1471 and was startled to get 01268 555095, southend I think as their base.
When I asked if this was a timeshare sales I was told no, but being timeshare owner I was a bit suspicious and guess what?I was right to be, they are timeshare touts selling/force selling their weeks to unsuspecting people taken in by their scam.
Oh yes and they call themselves CHOOSE TRAVEL, well I choose not to go and so should you if they get you too.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

got the same thing and really wanted to go there is see what these people are all about, luckily got lost on my way to the presentation but they are stil phoning me up to now

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

This company will not stop calling me asking to attend lakeside in essex, I have told them many times that im not interested and no holiday is for FREE! But Sir your very wrong the woman said you have won a 5star holiday with flights in a self catering????? 5 star self catering STRANGE! if you get a call from 01268 555095 do what i did I said can you hang on a second and went out shopping lol Funny enough they dont phone anymore, It is a total con dont be fooled by the tempting offer, And a big thanks to the owner of this site very helpful.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just to add my thanks for your site. Was suspicious of a call which didn’t connect, dialled 1471 and searched for the number, which brought me here. Same story as the rest, so I won’t repeat it, but well done for highlighting this scam.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

The same has happened to me. I reluctantly took part in one of these lifestyle surveys last month as I was followed along the street by a very persistant woman that I couldn’t shake off. Apparently, I was then entered into a draw and won first prize in my area! A holiday. Suspicious, I checked the internet and found this site. Needless to say, I won’t be calling to give my name and address to their ‘head office’ so that they can confirm everything in writing. Thanks for your help here.
PS The number they (a woman) called from was 01268 555095, the name of the company was given as Choose Travel, and the number I was asked to phone was 0871 222 2566.
Spread the word!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

same thing happened to me, luckily checked google before phoning the 0871 no!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just been called with the “you have won the first prize….” from Choose Travel “Please call 0871 222 2566″ and quote Ref…, based on simple survey answered in Stourbridge last week.
Very suspicious, so checked it out online and managed to find this page, which confirms that we are not taking it any further.
“Choose Travel” and the changed phone number is an attempt to avoid simple Google lookups, but not finding a company website near the top of the Google search is an instant warning.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

All on this forum. Like all of you I have been plagued with calls from this company even though we tell them that we are not interested. I would suggest that you take the following action as they are contravening the new outbound calling regulations that have been put in place by OFCOM (I only know this as I work in the industry). Therefore you can complain to OFCOM on the following link: http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/landline/nuisance/
Hopefully we can then stop them calling!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Oh well, as I always suspected you don’y get ought for nowt! Same as all the rest, I too did a market research in Manchester and surprise, surprise I won a 5 star holiday! In order to collect this I had to attend a 2 hour presentation? I decided to check this company out Choose-travel and look what came up!
Thanks for the warning and I’ll think twice about answering market research qustions from now on!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Got the phone call today after filling in a ‘lifestyle survey’ in Leamington Spa. The woman was quite pushy and didn’t take no for an answer. Even walked with me to the car to get the thing filled in!!! Put the 0871 2222566 number in google to check it out and my suspicions were confirmed. I had asked what the catch was and whether it was timeshare but like many of you also got told that it wasn’t.

Using Safari 312.6 on Mac OS X

I’ve just had a call from a woman called Christine from Choose Travel, same story as above, she gave me the number 0871 222 2566 which I put into Google and got this site – thanks for the warning, I won’t be wastng my time or money ringing ‘head office’.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Got my phone call today. They did the survey on me (conducted by an unfriendly grumpy woman) in Wetherby last August/September. I made the mistake of not checking Google first before calling the 0871 222 2566 number. Was kept on hold for 4 mins and then spoke to a woman called Sam. Same rubbish as they told everyone else, presentation in Leeds etc.
REMEMBER -IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT PROBABLY IS.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I have received the same phone call as everyone above. I remember being stopped in the street and asked to answer the holiday survey a couple of weeks ago. I had expressed doubt at the time saying that I remember a scam on TV and in the local press a while ago about people winning ‘free’ holidays. The lady had assured me that this was not like that. I proceeded to answer the questions and was told to leave my telephone number so that someone could ring me to check that the survey had been conducted on me. After receiving the phone call today, I decided to check the number out by putting it into the search engine and came up with this website. Thanks for the warning – although I had had my doubts!!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had acall from ‘choose travel’ telling me I was 89th out of 100 in their draw, and to ring 0871 222 2566 to pick my free holiday.

Don’t think I’ll bother!!!!!!!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

My wife just got a very convincing call from choose travel asking her to ring 0871 222 2566 to claim our luxury holiday based on a questionnaire I was supposed to have answered on an airplane 18 months ago he assused her the call would only cost 10p..if we rang within half an hour we would be eligible to a bonus. Luckily I googled the name and number and found all your comments – thanks a lot!

Using Safari 312.5 on Mac OS X

Ditto!

Thanks for taking the time to post this info. It’s clearly been a help to all of us.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Snap! My wife just had a call (around 8.45pm) saying how I had filled in a survey about 18 months ago bla bla bla. The phone number given to respond to (that she was told would only cost 10p/min) was 0871 2222566). My wife said he was an Indian gentleman who spoke (as I subsequenlty discovered) virtually word for word according to the script that others on here have described. I agree that without the internet we would be less wise.
Thanks for the information.
KL

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thanks for the info, just had a call, thought it was a con so checked it out, wont be filling in any more surveys.

Using Safari 419.3 on Mac OS X

Hi
Was just called today by these people after stupidly not saying no to a survey in Harrogate last week.
Apparrently I’ve won 7 nights accomodation and flights and need to call this number 0871 222 2566 of course they said it would be 10p a minute and to call straight away for more details on how to claim my holiday. I asked if it would cost me anymore money and they said well you have you flights and accomodation free.

Thought I’d Google the number first ;-0)
Thanks for the warning…I’ll not bother now.

Gillian

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just received a call from “Choose travel.”
Same old stories. I thought it all sounded dodgy, so did some checking and found your site…many thanks for all the info, confirming my suspicions
There really is no such thing as a free lunch, but I do hope that what goes around-comes around.

cheers
Joe.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.1 on Windows XP

Yep – me too! Filled my survey in at Asda’s shoeburyness. – Just got the call. So looked in up on my PC. – Here’s a good one – say you have just been made bank rupt and are really looking forward to a free 5* holiday – they may not want you to go if they think you have no money!???!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Whenever I get home late from work I dial 1471 to see who’s called and kept getting the same number. Tonight I got a call asking me to do a telephone survey. So I said “Yeah right, and at the end you’ll try to sell me something like double glazing or a timeshare”. At that point the line went dead as she hung up the phone on me. I did a 1471 and yep…..you guessed it. Thanks for the heads-up.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.1 on Windows XP

Thanks for creating and maintaining this site – very useful.

This morning following a survey last week in Cranbrook Kent I was told I had won a £1500 holiday and to ring Choose Travel on 0871 2222566 to claim my holiday. Rang, and hey presto, I have to attend an exhibition at Lakeside Essex with my wife. Also have to pay an admin fee of £29.50 each. I gained a small but significant amount of satisfaction by asking lots of questions and querying all the finer details which eventually irritated the sales person.

There is no gain in this for us, taking time off work, driving to Essex etc and we will not be following it up. Can I suggest if you do follow it up yourself that you be very, very careful, as companies like this DO manage to talk some people into departing with a lot of money. Again thanks for setting up this website. Mark.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Likewise received a call saying I had won a ‘free’ 5 star holiday. Googled the number that I was given 0871 2222566 and found your site. I must admit I was tempted to just ring the number, but I am a suspicious sort and am glad I found this site.

Thanks! I won’t be ringing them up now!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thanks to everyone for the warning. I hate street surveys and usually avoid them like the plague. however on saturday a friendly lass got me in harrogate. Had a feeling I’d be getting a phone call… it came today. Lady called Diane telling me I’d won a holiday with choose travel. She asked me to ring 0871 2222566. first thing i did was search google and found this site.

not even going to ring.. And no more street surveys for def.!!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had the same telephone call following a survey in Caterham, Surrey last week. Not that I was going to call the 0871 number anyway, but glad I found this site on Google.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I was caught in York last week – just to let you know that it was Choose Travel again but given a different number 0871 22224866 so they’ve obviously started rotating their numbers again.

Excellent site – v helpful.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

i have actaully just left choose travel. I was one of them really annoying people that call you and give you that number and the reference number. I awarded a holidat to a lady yesterday who informed me of this site. I am shocked at the amount of bad feedback.

It really is genuine, we do award a holiday to everyone who completes the survey who fit a certain criteria, you should be told that there is an administration charge of £29.50 but you dont pay that till you book, choose travel will tell you that they do promote timeshare but you can say your not interested….the holiday is still yours.

i really dont understand how people feel conned, you are all told that there is a presentation to go to, but why is that such a big deal.

i have been on one of these presentaions as part of my training, I have
also been to one of our spanish apartments…..had a wonderful time.
I worked on the customer care department and have spoke to many people who have had fantastic holidays, and book through our agents regularly.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.1 on Windows XP

In answer to Lisa’s Comment:

Firstly, I will give you the benefit of the doubt and believe that you are an ex-employee and not a current one (or director) trying to offset the feedback left here and other places.

I have no doubt that the ‘free holiday’ is genuine. It is the method which leaves a lot to be desired.

• Why phone from the same company you want the customer to call back? This smacks of trying to mislead the customer into thinking the questionnaire and travel agent are not linked. You have to question GVC/Choose Travel’s motives for this tactic.
• You say “Choose travel will tell you that they do promote timeshare”, yet from my own experience (and others who have left comments), when asked “is this timeshare?”, the answer is no.
• Why say “You have won first prize” when that is clearly untrue?
• Why claim it’s 5-star when it’s self-catering?
• Why all the crap about “We can’t post vouchers”?

You said “i really dont understand how people feel conned, you are all told that there is a presentation to go to, but why is that such a big deal.”

Firstly, because you’ve started out by lying to them (see points above).

If GVC/Choose called and said “We’d like to invite you to a presentation of our Holiday Club Scheme and for that we will give you a voucher for a free holiday (with restrictions)” then that would be truthful, but both you and I know that most people will say “not interested”, so GVC/Choose have chosen to use the tactic of using the collection of a so-called prize voucher to lure people into going to a sales presentation. Since people are already wary of timeshare pressure selling, why are you shocked that they are suspicious?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

My mum was caught in York in Jan 07. She has just been phoned by Choose Travel who claimed she won ‘First Prize’ and a 5 * holiday. She was told to call 0871 222 2566 “right now” and quote a ticket number to claim the prize. We asked how much the call would cost and were told 10p per minute and the call would last no longer than 1-2 minutes. She asked what the catch was and was told there wasn’t a catch.

I’m SO glad we google’d the phone number before making any calls – having read everyone’s comments here we won’t be calling anyone! Thanks so much for this very helpful posting.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

hi

i can assure you i no longer work for them. when people ask if it is time share we are told to say ‘yes we promote it, but you can say no and still get your holiday’

the apartments are 5 star, and yes it is self catering, apartments are still star rated.

vouchers are only given when you attend a presentation which is why they cant be posted and i completely agree with you that you should be told that but we are told what to say and we have to follow a script.

All businesses have different methods of making money and this is there way, are they lying? i dont think so, maybe they are misleading you but when you call the 0871 number it should all be fully explained.

i have never heard of gvc.

maybe its wrong that people are lured in to a sales presentation but they are told they have to go to one so noody is lying.

I really dont know we have to say that you have been awarded first prize cause that is crap, the company will award it to anyone who fits the criteria.

The holiday is genuinly yours…………that is not a lie!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.1 on Windows XP

Lisa

Nobody is saying the holiday is not genuine, however as stated in my original post, people who have been on them complained that the accommodation was nothing like five star and that the dates were very restrictive in order for the holiday to still be free.

Look, however, at how many people (my wife included) asked if it was timeshare and were told no. I don’t know about you, but since you admit this *is* timeshare, that qualifies as a lie. Clearly not all of your ex-colleagues are as honest as you.

Look how many were told they’d won first prize when there was no such thing – you said this yourself. Another lie?

My wife was told it was a presentation, not a sales presentation.

I still maintain the fact that the initial call comes from the same place you are asked to ring is misleading.

You say “All businesses have different methods of making money and this is there [sic] way”. If that’s so, then they are not a business I would deal with. I think others would agree.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

The Spain, Turkey, Austria and Tenerife people are now getting people to call 0800 4585625. Thank goodness for the internet!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

My experience is very similar to everyone else, I was approached in Sheffield City Centre one week ago today, I don’t normally bother with Market Reaaserch so i’m really annoyed with myself for doing it, but hey ho we all do something daft now and again. the woman asked me just a few questions about my occupation, marital status, age and where my most memorable holiday was, she took my address and home tel no. (what a mistake!) and said someone may call to make sure that she had got me to take part in her research and that I would be entered into a prize draw where I could win £2000 or a luxury holiday, i walked away and thought no more about it as I don’t normally win things like this. The slip she gave me quoted the name ‘2minuteDraw.com and on the back of the slip it states this is the trading name of the promotor ‘Premier Data Logistics of Regents Place, 338 Euston road, London, NW1 3BT’.

Tonight I have received a call from ‘Eve’ at CLC, she gave her phone number as 01268498330 and the number which appeared on my phone was 01268 555095. She congratulated me and said my name at been chosen at random and I had won a 14 night holiday to either Spain, Tenerife, Turkey or Austria, all expenses paid, no con, nothing to sign etc all i had to do was call their travel agent on a freephone number 0800 458 5625 and quote the code she gave me. Also as an extra reward I would receive £50 of shopping vouchers.

At first I was thrilled, but then as I thought about it further I remembered you don’t get anything for free. Needless to say I won’t be calling their travel agent.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.4 on Windows 2000

More power to your elbow. There are a number of firms operating in this field. The two main ones are Sunterra (formerly GWVC) and Club La Costa – CLC.

However both use sales and marketing agents as well. One of the best known of these is LCI Travel (Wakefield, Rotherham, and Nottingham) but there are others.

However the spiel is always the same – never varies – “You have been awarded (won) a free holiday, all you have to do is go to a presentation and pay £34.50 which is variously described as administrative charges or airport tax or both.

You will be subjected to a hard sales pitch – both at the first sales place – and if you ever go – at the “free holiday” place. This last one can last up to eight hours.

If you do decide to go for the free holiday it will be at Santa Barbara Tenerife – they have no other place they take people to.

Ask for the ATOL number (they are not ABTA, despite their claim to be) and if they quote X4160 then it is Sunterra. I do not know CLC’s number.

Sunterra was taken over recently by Diamond Resorts in the USA, but the scam is the same.

The Office of Fair Trading receives more complaints about Holiday Clubs than anything else.

Personally when they ring up I make an appointment and then fail to turn up. Then they ring back and I make an excuse. Then I make another appointment and fail to turn up.

Eventually I lie and say I was there. That confuses them.

If necessary I keep lying. If it is good enough for them – it is good enough for me.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

thank goodness for the internet. i got called by’2minuteDraw.com’ a few days after completeing a 2minute market research questionnaire & told to ring 0800 4585625.

i was already suspiscious but phoned anyway thinking at least its a free phone number (I know better now!) & yep u guessed it i was told “Congratulations you’ve won a 14night holiday to either tenerife, spain, austria or turkey. And you get £50 high st vouchers. All you have to do is turn up (on a weekday) to attend a presentation & you must come with your partner”

Obviously i’m not going & i hope they dont end up ringing me again…if they do i like the one about asking them to hold & going out shopping!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I have just had a call from CLC resorts and hotels – exact same stuff as listed in the above responses! Thank you so much for your information, these companys play on the naivety of the general public and the internet is a great thing to catch these con-artists out.
When I called them back to tell them that I had found information on the internet that I was not impressed with and would not be attending their ‘presentation’, they did not try to convince me that it was a genuine prize, just abruptly said ‘thanks for your time!’ and hung up!! Now doesnt that speak volumes!! I dont think ill get sucked in again!!!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

i have just been told i have won first prize from 2minutedraw.com…..hooray…i will keep you all informed..

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I rarely enter competitions but did so after being persuaded at a local game fair in West Sussex which was to win a holiday in Cornwall with spending money. I gave my husbands mobile number, not wishing to give our home contact and about 2 weeks later he had a call about it. On two occasions they said they would call back but they never did. After growing suspicious and contacting the fair organiser they gave me a contact for someone in Scotland who said the company were CLC. After a google search I realise that we have not won a thing, just disappointment.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I have just been contacted by Club La Coste – usual thing, won a great holiday, need to call a number within 30 mins to get £50 of Argos vouchers as a reward.

Usual vagueness about how they got my name and number (we ARE listed in the book).

If it sounds too good to be true – it is. If you think you can withstand the pressurized sell – think again, you probably cannot.

Thanks for making this information available on the internet.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Got a call from a Scottish lady saying she was part of the Visit Scotland tourist stand at the Good Home exhibition at the NEC. I did fill in a questionnaire with address etc which stated that I was being entererd into a draw to win my dream holiday. After telling me I had won (along with several others no doubt) she then went on to tell me I had to go back to a presentation at the NEC with a £49 admin fee to collect my tickets and M&S vouchers. It all sounds so familiar. Being suspicious I went online and lo and behold came up with this website. Thanks for the advice thats one presentation and holiday I won’t be going on – wouldnt mind Spain, Turkey etc etc were certainly not my dream destination !

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I’ve just received a call from 2minuteDraw.com as I’ve won one of 10 prizes for a European 7 night holiday, following a survey at a Country Fair a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been given the number 0800 788 9901 to call with my reference number and have been told that I will only have to pay a £29 admin fee!! The caller number was witheld so thought I’d do a bit of research, thanks guys, won’t bother with that freephone number now!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.4 on Windows XP

My partner just got a call from 2minutedraw.com. He has to ring back before 8 tonight to claim his “free” holiday. I told him “you don’t lose anything by ringing a free phone number, if they ask for money or ask you to go somewhere to collect the tickets, tell em to get lost!”.
Being the sceptical people we are with these things, we did a quick search and found this site.
It might still be worth ringing these people – just to have a little fun with the poor sod on the end of the phone!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

my friend racheal had a phone call last week saying shed won a free all expenses paid holday, in either spain, turkey, tennerife or another place (cant remember) as she had completed a street survey while shopping. she had won a 7night break in a 4 star hotel for up to six people and was told, to claim her prize, she would have to go somewhere by the nec where it would be a two hour wait to be presented with her documents and tickets. she called me the same day really excited about her win, and asked if myself and my three young boys would like to go along to spain with her and her daughter. she then recieved a letter this morning explaining she could only claim her prize if she is a homeowner and if either herself or her husband is in full time employment. she is a tennant and our kids are really upset about the whole thing! if this is a competition why do they need to know these details? what should it matter whether your married or single? its obviously a huge scam.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.5 on Windows XP

My wife was conned into believing she had won a free holiday…..no such thing said i. nobody gives anything away for nothing.. STAY CLEAR OF ALL SURVEYS. IS MY MOTTO……

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had a phone call from Ryan with ‘good news & bad news’. Bad news was that I hadn’t won 1st prize. Good news was I’d won a 2nd prize of a European holiday for 4 people. He said I just had to pay an admin fee of £29.50. Alarm bells rang at this point as if you’ve won a competition then you don’t pay anything! I asked if there was any catch & he said none at all – mmmmmmmmm! He gave me a freephone number 0800 9889900 & a ref to quote (CLMS.701) & said I should ring straight away & give them my name & address so they could send all the info to me. Obviously, after reading your blog, I won’t be ringing. (I’m even sceptical that perhaps the 0800 number might be diverted to a charging one). I do hope that they ring again to pursue me again. If so, then I’ll get them to ‘hold on a minute while I check something that’s cooking………………..’
Thanks for your blog – very helpful.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.5 on Windows XP

Christine, diverting an 0800 to a chargeable one wouldn’t make a difference to you, the call would still be free, and they would gain nothing, as they would be the ones paying.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

They’ve just ‘phoned me again to follow up. I asked them to wait while I checked the grill & left them with the receiver off the hook. 10 mins later I could still hear him saying ‘hello, hello’. I then put the receiver next to the radio. I left it like that for half an hour. I think (not 100% sure) that even if he tries to ring off himself the line is still blocked so he can’t use his phone until I clear it. I hope so. Anyway, I’m sure he got the message!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I did the survey on the 2minutedraw.com website and I have been phoned by Club La Costa 7 times in the past 10 days, 4 of those calls were in the space of 2 hours on the same day.

During each call I withdrew my consent for them to contact me and they promised to remove my details from their computers but they are still calling me.

I got hold of the floor manager Daniel Jones who said that Club la Costa own the 2minutedraw website and that I had entered a competition on the Club La Costa website to win a holiday. I did not visit the Club La Costa website, I did not enter a competition to win a holiday. They say they can call me even though I am on the Telephone Preference Service because it is not a sales call, it’s a call about a competition prize and I freely gave them my phone number because I entered the competition – EVEN THOUGH I NEVER ENTERED A COMPETITION TO WIN A HOLIDAY!

I am fed up of their nuisance calls and constant harrassment BT said the only thing I can do to stop them is change my phone number and go ex-driectory. I’m still looking into ways I can complain about this company.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

My wife got the same call from a company calling themselves Club La Costa, they checked at least one of us were working and said we had won a 7 day holiday, I immeditately thought it was a con, I normally think these things are phone scams but they gave us the number 0800 4585625 to call with a reference of CC219, A quick search showed Club la Costa to be a holiday club (AKA timeshare) Tossers the lot of em.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

My girlfriend & I attended the Taste of London event in Regents Park in June. While we were there, she was asked if she wanted to win a holiday in Cornwall, so she filled in a form, answering questions about dream holidays. Then, last weekend, she got a phone call advising that she had won the competition. The prize was a 7-day self catering holiday in either Turkey, Spain, Tenerife or Austria. We felt that was strange because the holiday destination had suddenly changed. And she was to phone a freephone number on Monday. When she called on Monday, she was advised that a £30 booking fee per person would be required and she had to travel with me (why??) but could book in the next 18 months. The catch – attend a presentation in Lakeside. Dubious about first of all having to pay booking fees when you’ve won a competition, plus having to go to a presentation, she asked if it was timeshare. They said outright that it wasn’t. However, having done research and found this website (by putting in the terms “holiday”, “competition” and “booking fee”), we’ve realised that it’s clearly the same scam. And we certainly won’t be attending the presentation. I’m surprised that an event as prestigious as the Taste of London, allows Timeshare sellers in.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.6 on Windows XP

Daz and Simon

Read the comment from the Citizens Advice Bureau. If it was timeshare you would have more protection. These companies try to sell the fact that it is not timeshare as a positive point; it is not.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

And I’ve just had the same call as everyone else – from CLC regarding a survey I took part in recently – you’ve won a holiday (isn’t that nice?), just a £29.50 booking fee and call 0800 989900…blah blah blah. It sounded like a scam to me and thanks to the info on this site and the various other contributors it’s clear to see that it pretty much is (I know there is a ‘free holiday’ available, I just don’t need to go to a presentation or pay a booking fee to get something ‘free’. Incidentally, I was also asked to confirm that I was married and in a certain age range before being told I’d won – surely if you’ve won, you’ve won?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

just had a phone call off these muppets on 01383 749557 asking to speak to the missus……wouldnt give me any details…..the missus is having a break in amsterdam….spoke to her and they are calling her back

told her to keep them on the phone for ages….must cost them a few bob ringing a mobile in amsterdam!!!

smells like a scam….i’m half tempted to go and just irritate the brown stuff out of the as i can be a right sod when i want to be!!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

same as all above went to the new forest show thought i was entering to win win holiday in cornwall got a call saying had won free holiday call free fone no 0800988901 really thought it was geniune untill they said they had no insurance for children at their site so will have to get a babysitter to attend meeting with them about our free holiday then looked at your website will not be attendind feel like a fool now

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

They were in Kingston last week under the 2minutedraw logo… Thought it was a real survey at first (and the “proper” companies do sometimes call to check the surveyors did actually talk to you).
Got the “winner” phone call today (fortunately gave my work number). Seemed suspiciously noisy on the other end so I didn’t bother to call back until I’d checked them out on the net. Ian – your site came up third after the Sun and Frugal living (or something). They’ve also got my mobile but if anyone rings from 01268 I think I’ll just accept the call then leave it in a cupboard. Needless to say I will not be calling them!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Be warned. They’re now operating in Blackburn,Lancs. Guess what I’m a winner. I just need to call 0800 9889901. I DON’T think so!!

Had thankfully given my work number so they’ll get fed-up before I do as I work on a large switchboard and we are all just going to put any calls on hold for a llllllloooooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggggggggggg time.

Hasta La Vista 01268

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

They have also been working in Scunthorpe North Lincs. I got a call on Saturday to say I had won a holiday, I told them immediately that it must be a con and I wasn’t interested. They rang again tonight and told me to ring 0800 9889904, which I did just out of interest. Complete con, expected me to travel to Leeds to claim my free 5 * self catering holiday. Do they think i’m stupid! Thought i’d just search 2minutedraw.com to see what came up and guess what I found this site.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I thought it was too good to be true….and it was.
I just got a call from Leisure.co.uk (?) saying that I’d won an all expenses luxury holiday for answering a 2minutedraw.com questionaire in Sudbury, Suffolk, and all I had to do was phone 0800 9889904 with the code they gave me to get more details. Being very wary of things like this, I googled 2minuteDraw.com, and found this website. Needless to say, I will NOT be phoning them back.
Thank goodness for the internet!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

With reference to my comment on 20th August, they phoned my home 3 times yesterday whilst I was at work, then again tonight, I told them again I wasn’t interested and that it must be a con of somesort, when I mentioned timeshare the caller quickly said ok and put the phone down. The number they were calling from was 01268 557600, they are certainly persistent.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just been approached in Leamington Spa. Answered the questionnaire then got a phone call a couple of weeks later from 01268557600 claiming I had won. They asked me to call 0800 9889904 quoting a reference number, but I don think I will.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.6 on Windows XP

Thanks so much for this posting.
My husband stupidly filled in a survey in Hanley (Staffordshire) – which I was most surprised at cause he’s a miserable sod and rarely does these things. (especially with kids en-tow)

Suffice to say the little prize draw slip is for 2minutedraw.com blah blah (also stating the draws are on the 16th each month)
He gets a call this evening to say the draw was done y’day (erm – thats not the 15th) and whooopppie you’ve won a luxury holiday.

Now not being the type of family that can really afford to go on ‘nice’ holidays he was most excited and took the number down for me to ring.
Luckily being the total sceptic I am – Why do you have to call an 0800 (free number) back – when they’ve just called you to say you’ve won! I mean thats speaks daftness! – I decide to research a little.
Bobs yer uncle – We aint ringing – Cant be bothered to travel to Manchester for a presentation however it would be interesting to find out whether anyone had gone, said no thanks and actually enjoyed their ‘no strings, hassle free holiday’ but I guess we wont find that here!

Thanks for the topic. Take care all.
Oh btw the number we were asked to ring was:0800 9889904 (ref10b)

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows 98

Same old rubbish, called from 01268 557600 told to ring 0800 9889904 quote a reference number, free holidays and shopping vouchers- no mention of “free lunch”!! Keep them talking and buy shares in BT!!!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Same Nonsense, Operating in Leeds signing up shoppers in ASDA under the 2minutedraw.com name. Call comes from CLC Lifestyle operator

Thank you for the helpful advice above.

Hooray for the internet

Using Safari 419.3 on Mac OS X

Filled in a competition during Cowes Week – think it was originally to win a holiday in Cornwall. I received my call today, I called my husband at work at the IOW Council and he had heared several people had recieved the same call…ummm.

He is very stubborn and sticks to his guns so is tempted to go to the presentation. But I am not so sure I could and haven’t really got the time to waste travelling over to Fareham (they said the shopping vouchers for Islanders are a compensation for travelling over the water?!?!?!?)

Think I will be sticking to my fab weekends camping around the Island – far better and I think now a lot cheaper than my “prize”.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I posted here first on August 20th, then again on the 22nd. They have rung yet again today, have they not got the message yet! IM NOT INTERESTED. Today they said they were from Club LaCosta and to phone 0800 4585625. They phoned again later (I wasn’t in the first time) to check I had got the correct freephone number. I told them not to ring again and if it was a free holiday what did it matter how much we earned. Hope they got the message this time.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.6 on Windows XP

This all makes very interesting reading – we got a call just like the rest yesterday and were obviously excited by the prospect of a 4-person holiday. We’ve clearly been a bit naive – the presentation is next week though so glad I did some searching beforehand. Cheers!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

We have just had the dreaded phone call. (the first of many it sounds like)
We had completed an entry form in town recently, and as the number they quoted was freephone (0800 9889901) I phoned it. I was however already suspicious at this point.
They confirmed my details, and I found it odd that they confirmed our annual household income and that we were still in full time employment. However I let the lady go through her speil and I wrote most of it down, which seemed to annoy her cause I paused and kept asking her to repeat stuff!
We had to visit a place in West London. If we were the only winner why would we go for a presentation? Also she explained that the presentations (plural now?) were held twice on weekdays, once on friday and twice on Saturdays. All VERY accomodating for one winner per month.
At this point I read the back of the slip that we were given at the time of completeing the form.
On the back it said that hte draw would take place on the 15th of each month (fine so far), and that the winner would be contacted within 14 days of the draw taking place. We were phoned on 12/09/07, this couldnt possibly be with 14 days, and so at this point I googled the company name 2minute.com and found this site and another all saying scam.
Thank you for keeping this site going. I will report back further on phone calls and how to get rid of them!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thanks everyone for the above. We were asked to phone (0800) 9889904 – now we won’t bother !

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

My wife suffered the same fate filling out a questionaire etc, etc. They have now upped the ante – offering £2000 worth of vouchers. Think I’ll be leaving them hanging on phone as I do have shares in BT lol

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

This is an excellent site ! I suffered the same fate in Tamworth Ventura Park last week. A woman was approaching people and I managed to bypass her on the way into a shop but she caught me on the way out. She was quite persistant but told me how it was just a survey and ‘what the hell, I could win a holiday out of it’. So, I did the survey. Had the first phone call this afternoon telling me I’d been ’selected’ to win a holiday in The Canary Islands. When I asked if I’d actually won it the woman said ‘yes’ and used the phrase ‘well done you’. She gave me the phone number of 0800 988 9904 and a security number (she said it was a freephone number – it better be) to call and claim my 7 night break. It was very noisy in the background and I had to keep asking her to repeat things. When I phoned the number I spoke to someone called Stevie (a girl) and she went through most of the blah blah again. This time she said that the holidays available were in Spain, Tenerife and Austria. I would just need to go to their travel centre near the NEC in Birmingham to go through the choices of holidays available to me (no mention of a presentation at all). I told her I was a bit dubious as you don’t get anything for nothing but she said all I would need to pay out was the £29.50 booking fee once I booked the holiday. Also, I would get £50 worth of shopping vouchers for Debenhams by going to their travel centre and could she book me in for an appointment. She said that I didn’t have to book the holiday right away and that I could look at the choices and decide at a later date and phone to book. I (stupidly) said OK and made the appointment. She said that although children were included in the holiday they weren’t allowed to go to the travel centre as they didn’t have ‘liability’ – whatever that means. Anyway, my husband found this site and I’m so glad he did. Needless to say we won’t be attending the meeting.

Also, I must mention that once I’d phoned them back in the afternoon, we received 2 phone calls; one asking for someone not at this address so I told him he had the wrong number (I didn’t do 1471). The 2nd, just 20 minutes later my husband answered and no-one was there. He did 1471 this time and the number was 01268 557600. Looks like they do a call-back to check out the number you give. Really annoying.

Thanks again for this website !

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Thanks for the warnings, will not be returning their call on 0800 9889901 to arrange date for presentation.

Many thanks

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had this over the weekend – Club Lacosta for me

The numbers were an 01628 885650 and they gave a free phone number to call 0800 988 9901 – apparently my wife and I have to attend a presentation where our ‘ID’ will be confirmed – I don’t think so.

Been to one of those things before – I’d rather be battered with dead fish for 3 hours…

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.7 on Windows XP

I filled in the ‘2minute’ street questionnaire in Northwich Cheshire 2 weeks ago and I’ve just had the phone call (from 01268 557600) to ring 0800 9889904. I knew it was too good to be true. Thank you everyone for confirming it.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.7 on Windows XP

My wife volunteered to complete a survey when stopped in the street in South Devon earlier this month. Today she was phoned by ‘UK Leasure’ from 01268 557600 and told she had won a holiday abroad and vouchers worth £50 as a result. To verify this she was asked to call 0800 988 9904. When my wife rang the 0800 number above she was asked if her annual income was above or below £25000. Once my wife indicated that her income was below this figure, the representative said that a mistake had been made and that my wife had not won any prize. Clearly this organisation is involved in some kind of scam. I only wish I had come across this site a few hours earlier.

Using Safari 419.3 on Mac OS X

Filled out a questionnaire at Steam Rally in Maidenhead. Got ‘the’ call once last week and again yesterday. Thought I would check out the number 0800 9889901 and lo and behold one big con. Thanks for the site.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

My wife filled out a questionaire in Leamington last week. Tonight she took a call from a Sarah to say she had won a holiday.
The number she had to call is 0800 9889904. She called it it and the women stated exactly the same stuff that had already been mentioned.
Thought I would google the number and so glad I did.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.7 on Windows XP

I have discovered via ICSTIS that the number 0800 9889904 was supplied by Opal Telecom (a Carphone Warehouse company) – as is 0800 9889901. Via Opal’s website I complained about the company calling itself ‘UK Leisure’. Opal Telecom said they had forwarded my comments and dissatisfaction to the company concerned about a week ago. So far there appears to have been no response.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hi, I got the call today. Filled in a survey during Cowes week. Was told I won a holiday etc. etc. and to call 0800 9889901. When I tried it didn’t work. Looked up the number as was still very enthusiastic as was not told about any of the presentation stuff but just to call the travel agent. Found this site and although I can kick myself for nearly falling for a scam I am glad that I did get this. Now I know what to prepare myself for. Have gone with CLC, in 2000, to Malaga before and bought whatever it was they sold. Complained about the grotty accomodation(I think they put you in to the accomodation that is th eoldest) and not wanting to loose my custom was upgraded to a fantastic self catering appartment. Would not call it 5 star though. The places(being build/renovated) they do show you during the presentation over there do look 5 star though – jacuzzi the works. Came to England and did internet search and found out they were not timeshare and had lots of unhappy customers with points that is nearly worthless. Cancelled within my 14 day cool off period – how glad I was that I was able to do that. In the end they do a very hard sell and presentations over in spain (part of the agreement is that you go for another 1 hour presentation when you get there) turned out to be a marathon of 3 hours where in the end you feel like just giving in and signing anything. Apart from that we actually had a fantastic time as we were able to take some other family with us so I am thinking hey – around £350 for flights and accommodation and a week in Spain for 6 pepole(will choose Malaga again) might be woth the hassle. Will think hard about it though because this time we have a little one who will not sit through a presentation so if they cannot accommodate her then they can stuff it. Hope I could bring a little more to these discussions as somebody who has been before and has not just said no. I did buy a real timeshare with Marriott as this was an idea that appealed to me and I have not been sorry at all. Make sure you do it with a reputable company at a GOLD resort so that you can have some bargaining power when it comes to swapping or that you will at least be happy to keep going back to your home resort. Lastly all I can say is stand steadfast and do not give in to the pressure if you feel unhappy about any part of the process – and take some drinks and biscuits to the presentations as hunger and thirst can be very persuasive.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Just got a call too from a withheld number saying I’d been “selected” tand had won a holiday for 5* holiday for 4 in either Spain, Canary Islands, Turkey or somewhere else after filling in a form on a stand at the Stitch & Creative Crafts Fair at Sandown on 21 Sept. Very sceptical, especially after being asked to confirm employment status, plus I’m sure it was a competition to win a holiday in Cornwall but thought I’d see what they had to say on 0800 988901 (0800988901 – putting it in both forms to aid Google searches!) and got number unobtainable! Ran internet search to check suspicions (if it was real then I wanted to know who to ring) and found this helpful site – cheers. Looking forward to the ensuing calls – shall have to come up with something entertaining. Perhaps I’ll put on my “sounds of the seashore” relaxation CD interspersed with some Rage Against the Machine fo rhtem to listen to….

Main concern is firstly that the show I attended actually gave these people a stand and issued no warnings about the type of “prize”. Secondly is that the show was largely attended by loads of dear little old ladies who may very well be taken in by all this rubbish and wil be distressed by the phone calls. My mother always said “you don’t get owt for nowt”. How true…

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Hi,
Same story as above. Got caught at Piccadilly Railway Station, Manchester and felt sorry for the guy doing the ’survey’. Got the call re ‘winning’ a holiday. Given a phone number to call and a reference number to quote. Couldn’t be bothered but obviously I am a good candidate because they called me back and asked if I had rung the number. They gave me another reference number!! I asked the company name and was told CLC UK Lifestyle. I was assured there were no catches, all vouchers and details would be sent through the post, I would not have to attend any presentations. Also assured this was nothing to do with time share. I would only have to pay £29 per person, 3 weeks prior to going abroad. Sounds good! So I rang the number (0800 9889904 this time!). After confirming my info from the survey, I was told that I would have to attend a presentation in Haydock. I said I was told that the vouchers would be posted to me. The man on the phone said ‘no I had to attend the presentation’. At this point I informed him that I should have realised it was a con and put the phone down. Neither of the earlier two callers had said I would have to attend a presentation and in fact had both stated that the vouchers would be posted to me. No matter what Lisa says about the presentation, the fact remains that if they say they are posting vouchers, then they should do so. If you have to attend a presentation before the vouchers are posted then this should have been stated by the very first caller telling me I had won the holiday. I have been on one of these hard sell presentations before and only escaped because my 3 year old was sick in front of the holiday poster display. In that case the vouchers were so restrictive they were unusable. I can’t believe I fell for it again! There is clearly no such thing as I free lunch (or holiday)!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

I recieved a call today stating I had won a free holiday, I came onto this site after trying to find the correct phone number for 2 minutedraw.com, having read your comments thanks for the warning and thank heavens for the net ,

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just got the call. They are now asking that we ring 0800 988 9900. I refuse to attend any meeting that I have not been involved in setting up and when the lady refused to send me the details through the post our ‘business’ was cut fairly short. Oooh she didn’t like it when I accused her of being involved in a scam!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

These guys must hate the internet lol. First thing I said to my wife when she took the call was ‘google em!!!’ So glad we did ya know. Whats annoying is that my mum filled in the questionairre and thought it might be a nice treat if we won. Lousy scumbags!!!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.7 on Windows XP

Have now been called about 4 times in the last couple of weeks by these guys trying to get me to ring 0800 988 9904 so I can get my “written confirmation”. Hubby googled the number so we were already dubious and I even told one girl who rang that I was very dubious about it but she just ignored that! Just had a call this afternoon asking if I’d rang the number and I just replied “no” to everything she asked! I will definately not be ringing! Do they think we’re mugs? Thats the last time I answer questions in the middle of Saffron Walden…..

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had the same as the countles people above. We had the same with LCI in Wakefield – they NEVER go away!

If someone knows how to stop it (we are members of the TPS) then I would be most grateful.

James.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I too answered a survey in Brighton and got a call earlier this afternoon. If I get too many more calls from them then my dear old hubby will have to have yet another holiday of his own “at her majesty’s pleasure”. Its amazing how many annoying people go away when you “casually” drop in to the conversation that your partner is doing a stretch! One day it may backfire on me, but its been quite amusing up until now!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

To add to the above string I got a missed call this evening on my mobile from 01268 557600. When I tried to call the number back it was NOT RECOGNIZED. Strange I thought, so I typed the number into Google to find out from this string and the one on Holiday Watchdog that this is a scam much as I suspected. I did take part in a survey two weeks ago – but think the two are not related as they gave me £3 shopping vouchers there and then – such a nice lady; but I never give my home phone number to these people.
If they ring again I am inclined to string them along a bit, then tell them they were rumbled after I ‘Googled’ their number. That usually works with these oiks.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

They are calling my boss at work on her direct line and I have told them to go away several times but to no avail. They have called 16 times in the last week. My boss was stopped in Leeds City Centre in Ausgust. The number that is coming up on the phone is 01268 557600. Thanks for all the comments that I have read as I’ve been trying to find out as much information to try and stop them but obviously that is going to be difficult!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had the same scam tried on me, so if you’re in the Telford area beware.
Thanks to all the contributors to this site, made my decision not to phone an easy one.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.8 on Windows XP

Why are they only interested in couples?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

i gave them my name and phone number a few weeks ago in worksop town center……bad move ringing upto 15 times a day how do i stop them from ringing its doing my head in now
01268557600 carnt even ring this 1 back
withheld
08000728401
01613859103 or this 1

Using Safari 522.12.1 on Mac OS X

I’ve just been contacted from 01268 885650 saying I have been selected to win a seven day luxury holiday worth £1500 if I phone 0800 988 9901 and quote a reference number. I don’t believe anything is free in todays society to I have done some research on the net. Thanks to you I won’t bother ringing!!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows 2000

Two years now since I did the survey outside Asda, went to Sunterra presentation in Manchester, nothing more than time share, turned it down. Had calls since from a company operating in Spain all with southern English accents stating they are not time share and for £138 can give you two weeks free holiday to be taken within two years, amounts to the same old thing attend a presentation when you get there. Have just had a call from CLC uk Lifestyle, have won a prize, free holiday abroad just ring head office on 0800 988 9904. These surveys are deadly your info is passed around from one scam travel company to another. There needs to be a law to take these people off the streets.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hi
Just got called, I had down a survey at the Holistic Fair in Donnington last month. Same old story, how stupid was I to believe I had won a holiday worth £15,000 valid for 18 months in either Austria, Southern Spain, Teneriffe or Turkey … The number to call was 0800 988 9901 … Wish I had checked the site before calling it! All I need to do is attend the exhibition, I asked if it was a time share, but was assured it was not! How stupid do I feel! Better not tell hubbie! Worst of all the lady was so nice!!!! Her name was Sandra. Thanks Sandra!!! Not!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I had a call today from CLC saying my husband had been the first ticket selected from a survey he took part in in Exeter recently. Note she avoided the word “win” but did say that he had done very well for us. Yeah right, by giving out our unlisted number!!!!! From now on he can answer the phone whenever he is at home!

The numbers involved this time were from 01268 557600 and we are required to call 0800 9889904.

It took some time to find this site when I googled for CLC so i hope it will get bumped higher up in the search engines.

Thank you for all the info here. It is easy to get caught out when you just think you are being helpful. Exeter just has a new shopping centre so it seemed natural to my husband to be asked to complete a survey. I had already turned the woman down myself.

It may not actually be a scam but it is very misleading and deceitful.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

So these people were at the NEC Diveshow as well. Just had my first call back so I’ll see how persistant they are. Good website.

Using Safari 419.3 on Mac OS X

I filled mine out in Manchester, was stopped by a very attractive blonde Australian woman with a cleavage obviously designed to stop any red blooded male in their tracks! Filled the form in & today, suprise suprise I was told I had won an all inclusive holiday blah blah blah & to ring 0800 9689901. Sounded in the background there was an office full of con artists ringing people up to offer the same dodgy prize.

Somehow don’t think I’ll be ringing the number…

Keep up the good work, this site is invaluable.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.8 on Windows XP

Happened in Bedford too, just got off the phone, grilled the guy and asked if I was one of ten people who had won why could I hear a call centre in the background on the phone to lots more people than ten! Not going to ring. The number given to me today was 0800 9889904. I do market research myself hence why I answered the ladies questionnaire as I genuinely felt sorry for her, do not think all market researchers do this we are not all scammers.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thanks so so much for this blog – i answered a survey in Sutton a week ago and guess what, i had chav Kid call me and say I was one of 25 people that has been choosen for the top prize holiday to turkey, southern spain and I rang the number-0800 — and so on but needed to go to lakeside with id to collect the prize. Chav kid was saying are you excited – der the vunerable public…

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thank you for the warnings, one of my colleagues from another branch, forwarded me an e-mail for 2minutedraw.com, saying to try it you never know your’e luck, after reading I knew it was too good to be true, and checked it out and low and behold – a scam. Thank you Ian, if it wasn’t for your site, I would have been none the wiser…..

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Thanks for this.
We made the mistake of answering a survey in South devon.
Got the phone call and were instructed to attend a presentation in Fareham, Hampshire. 260 mile round trip for a £50 shopping voucher and a possible 5* (self catering?) holiday was already putting off the idea. Now that I have read the responses on this site we will not be going.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Thanks for the information. Were doing a survey in Harrogate last week in October and a woman called me last night at 7pm giving me the following number to ring 08009889904. Holidays are now in Spain, Canaries, Turkey and Austria!! Usual timeshare scam etc. Many thanks Ian for your site – will not be pursuing this!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Thanks for the info guys!! Just been called after filling in the survey in York on Halloween…. doh!! Told to call 0800 9889904 – don’t think I’ll bother now. Sort of glad that I gave a work number – although hope they are not too persistent!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I spoke to a nice lady at a country show. When somebody rang up a week later telling me i’d won a holiday, i thought that it was a con, so didn’t ring. Since then i’ve been plagued by number withheld phonecalls – usually you can hear people in a telesales office talking about what they’re doing that weekend or how drunk they got last weekend – then the phone goes dead. I’ve just realised what’s going on and typed the phone number into google (0800 9889901) and found this site. Thanks for your help.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I have just been called by the 0800 988 9901 mob. They got many people at the MPH show in Earls Court to fill in a sheet and I have just been called by them to tell me that I have won a prize but, as normal with all these scams they have asked me to ring back on another number (0800 988 9901).
I was suspicious as I have actually won competitions before and never have a genuine competition organiser asked me to ring back.
Thanks to this site I don’t even have to bother.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had a phone call from 01268 85650 – didn’t even answer it as put the tel number into a search engine and found all this info- Thanks for saving me all the trouble it seems everone else has been through.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I have just received a call from a telephone survey I did whilst at work, told me it would only take a couple of minutes and it did, that was a couple of weeks ago, today they phoned telling me I was really lucky and had won a 5 star holiday for 4, I asked what was the catch, none just phone this number 0800 9889900 and quote the reference thay gave, I asked once again what was it going to cost me , just £29,95 per person booking fee, Oh so I hadn’t won an all expenses paid holiday after all. I won’t be calling. Thanks for this sight, it’s a blessing.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I did indeed enter a competition on the 2 minute draw and received the call earlier. The chap said that all the blurb would be sent to the house and as it was a free phone number I assumed it may be legit. On phoning the free phone number I learn that I need to go to Southampton to have the holiday explained. Hmmmm. I point out to her that on the 2minute.com website it states that although prizes are not transferable, there is a CASH alternative of £3000. So, why is this not the case, I ask? She said she doesnt know anything about the website as she is from GLC or whatever. How disappointing. I shall write to the Head office of 2minute .com just to try and pin them down to that statement in their terms and conditions. Worth a try huh>?

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.9 on Windows XP

Yep…they are in Bourne, Lincolnshire! I got caught by a person on the street and was suspicious and got his personal ID number and held back lots of info. just had the phonecall today from: 01268 557600…clarifying my details…hadnt won the New York prize however (in her very excited voice) I’d won a 1st class holiday for four blar blar… and when i phone the travel agent (they have my details right now), free phone number: 0800 9889904 i can ask them about an ‘up to £50′ cash voucher for argos, M&S, debenhams john lewis. Always suspicious of all of this. i ask for the company’s name: UK Leisure plc…and was told they have been running for something like 15yrs (that’s a long running scam then – i think to myself now!). Grab the laptop…type in the company name – zero hits and then the freephone number and find this place! phew and thanks! You think coz it’s a free phone number (and this is pointed out to me lots of times during the phonecall!) that it’s fine to ring it. i shall not be phoning it. As someone has said (and my instinct told me during the phonecall) if you’ve won something howcome you have to phone. Sounds to me like that concludes the telesales woman (who kept calling me ‘dear’ grrrr) sounds like she had alot of other similar calls to make lol. she kept repeating the security code and phone number – oh come on lady…i know psychology tactics – try being emplyed by an honest company!

Thanks tons for this site. We shall beat them!!!! Any watchdog we can inform??

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows NT 4.0

29th November 2007
Hi there – Firststly thanks for your site.
All power to search engines and the thoughtful people who take the trouble to warn us.

I entered a competition in the town centre of Woking. First prize £2000.00 Shopping Spree. Oops small print prize a luxury holiday, including flights.

Received a call from 01268885650 CLC Hotels and Resorts.
Someone called Nicki (Nikki, Nicky) claiming
I had won the luxury holiday and I was to call 0800988901.

It sounds like the above scam, the phone numbers tally and I will not be calling, visiting or anything else. I had hoped that my prize of £2000 would be on its way, but I suppose that was a little misguided.

Regards
TonNic

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Same as TonNic number given was 0800 9889901.

Thanks for convincing me was excited for a bit then. Has anyone actually gone on the holiday though? What was it like? why was it more expensive?

Dizzy Mizzy

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

just got a call today saying that i won a holiday for 4. just googled 0800 988 9901 and got to this website – thanks for the information.

these guys were on tesco property asking to fill a questionnaire for holiday research – allegedly not commercial!!!!!

many thanks

faisal

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

hi. just got in to find a missed call from 01268 885650 on my mobile. googled it straight away initially to find the area code. thanks for the advanced warning!
the only survey i filled in recently was a rather rude woman at the yoga show, olympia, earls court london. hannah

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Yes my wife just got a phone call yesterday saying I filled in a questionaire recently and quoted our favourite holiday destination was the Canaries. Not true, never been, Italy figures in my mind, and that we holiday three times a year, I wish. Number quoted to claim was 0800 9889904. but as the rest of you guys I suspected a rat as I could not remember the survey. Thanks to this forum I am not alone in my thinking. Well done folks. Mark

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

Thanks for this website, my wife got a call today saying you have not won the first prize but won the second prize of a holiday in Spain and to ring 0800 9889904 quoting a reference number. Thanks to this page, we won’t be calling that number, but I am thinking about reporting them to fair trading about the ‘honesty’ and real reasons behind their on the street surveys. The survey was done in Chester a week or so ago.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

As Chief Executive of a Chamber of Commerce, I am used to hearing about attempted confidence tricks. But, an “it could never happen to me” attitude does not provide protection. Apparently, managers, lawyers and solicitors are among the most vulnerable and numerous victims as professional curiosity leads them into instigating direct contact with the perpetrators, which is the first step on the road to perdition. Fortunately, we spotted this one for what it is and resisted the temptation to call CLC Hotels & Resorts on tel. 0800 9889901.
Someone is sitting in an office somewhere dreaming up these schemes and it leaves one with unwelcome thoughts, or as Wordsworth put it, “And much it grieved my heart to think what man has made of man”. There – a little poetry. I feel better now.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had a phonecall from an Unknown Number to my mobile informing me that I had not been fortunate enough to win the 1st prize of a Carribean holiday but I was the lucky winner of a holiday to Spain, Cornwall…(the usual suspects!)
The idiot on the end of the phone recited the number as 0800 988 9900 (which led me here via Webfetch – a site that truly does give you something for nothing!) but he then corrected it to 0800 988 0335, with the reference HP18777.
Anyone want to accompany me on the holiday?
One catch, you’ll have to sit through a presentation where someone may or may not try and sell you something that may or may not be a timeshare!!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

01383 749557 ring any bells? Hospitality Scotland, Manchester Food and Drink Festival apparently – we must have filled in a slip for a ‘free holiday’ or something… well, I gave my work phone number and now have a message to call Leanne on this number… what would you recommend?

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

Mike

see Andy’s comment above.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thanks Ian. I think I’ll let them give my free bie to someone else more deserving!:D

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Paul & Pat from Gosport
Stopped by lady in Fareham Shopping Centre illed in questioneer for draw. Short time later received a called from a lady, checked details of questioneer, said contact 0800 988 901. for we had won a free luxury 7 holday in Europe or UK quote ref no. Holiday to be taken within 18 months. Tried no. with no sucess, contacted BT fwded to Opal referred to Oftel alll sounds iffy, hence why I am here writing this comment..
I am relieved that this has been brought to my notice
Thank you. Paul

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

It looks like they are still at it – just received a 2nd call to see how I had gotten on with the phone call – 1st prize + New Years Gift – but it sounded like a busy call center! 3/1/2008

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows Server 2003

I got a phone call today, saying that I filled a survey and I won a free holiday for two. Asked me to ring 0800 988 0335 and quote ref. p60200. Do they really think I am stupid?

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I had the cal today too – great site, avoided some mind numbing presentation by the sounds of things. Just curious to see if anyone has attended a presentation and what they thought of it, is it worth going to collect the vouchers and then leave, or do they give the vouchers out at the end only? The presentation is only 15 minutes away from home, so it might be worth going, keeping thick skin and then leaving.

I’m actually tempted to tell them I am going and then simply not turn up?

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

I stayed in London for a course in December of 2007, A man stepped out of the doorway of a shop in Kensington and caught me a bit unawares he asked a few simple questions and gave me a voucher which was to be entered into a prize draw. I knew this was some sort of a scam, and so I gave a mobile number which I rarely use…Well what a surprise (Not) when I received a phone call telling me I had Won a 7 day Holiday in Spain Portugal or the UK. I have no intention of collecting the ‘Prize’ Holiday. I have received 7 calls recently from 01268 85650, seems they hope to keep ahead of the game by changing numbers regularly.

I will be contacting OFCOM to pass on the detail of these parasites.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I too got a phone call today, saying that I filled a survey on line at minutedraw.com(did she mean “2 minutedraw.com”) NO-NOT-NEVER and I won a free holiday for two. Asked me to ring 0800 988 9900 and quote refrence that was a mix of my initals and date of birth EG. a3vb765,
im registerd with TPS and have been for 7 years how did this set of nermals get my details and get past virgin medias number widthold?

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

Vee

They would argue that TPS does not apply in this case, as you would have supplied this to them as contact number when you filled in the survey, and therefore be deemed to have given them permission to ring you (Yes, I know you said you didn’t fill the form in, but there’s nothing to stop someone else filling your details in instead).

What do you mean by ‘Virgin Media’s number withhold’? If you mean anonymous call rejection, then that would not apply as they do not withhold their number (calls come from 01268 numbers).

Interesting that they are now using reference numbers made up of your DOB and initials.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I have anonymous call rejection but on dailing 1471 it only tels me the time of the call,i pay extra for this service and am to say abit peeved

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Missed a call from 01268 885650 googled the number to check area, and i found this!! Thanks very much!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

01268 555095 – still alive – just missed the call.
but Googled it as it wasn’t one I recognised – hench being here.
But I have no recollection of filling in any surveys !!
I am hoping they call again…oh yes

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

I just had a call from 01268 557600, she said that I had filled in a questionaire in the local town centre on 8th December. I told her that she was incorrect as I was at the hospital all weekend (I can hardly forget the birth of my second child can I), the lady was persistant so I told her that if she could give me somemore details I would gladly report the call as someone is falsifying my name. She hung up at that point. I did a search on google and it brought me here.
The thing that started alarm bells is: No.1 I never fill in questionaires unless they are work related. 2. I never even stop for “canvasers” ever, this is the easiest way for identity theft.
These companies need to be closed down, its harrasement which could easily turn into identity theft, I saw a similar thread pointing to these companies selling failed phone numbers to marketing databases in Nigeria.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

I just had 2 calls tonight from 01268557600. As I was busy with my little uns at teatime I didn’t answer. as of tomorrow though I will be doing my very best to answer and keep them on for as long as possible, therefore wasting their time and money.As a member of an anti scam website (419eater) they will not be getting any money from me nor anything else. I did the same to a timeshare tout in lanzarote. I had the time and I was going to waste it on her. lol. After ‘magically’ winning 3 gold crowns on a fixed scratchcard, I played along with her for an hour ( i was bored) In the end I told her I knew it was a timeshare scam, but said thanks as it allowed several other people who she may have approached, not to be taken in by it. not the course of action for everyone to take but if you have experience of scams, then see how long you can keep em on the phone wasting their money until you have to tell em. good luck

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I too missed a call from the 01268557600 number. They called me a again today, I answered, as 01268 is my local code, and went through the whole “you filled in a questionnaire…” blah blah “and you have won a 7 night holiday….” blah blah “call this number 08009889904….”.

I am so glad I searched the numbers on google.

What a scam and waste of time and money!!!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

lololol….. I waited for this number to call me again (thats me above Cathy) and let the lady tell me all about it. I pretended to sound really interested. she told me I had entered a local questionnaire (which I remember I did-silly me) and because I matched the criteria for the holiday I had (magically) won a free holiday in spain portugal or tenerife. I then went on to ask her lots of questions about what type of accommodation it was, hotel ,apartments, caravan.: whether it had a swimming pool,whether it had a sony xbox 360 included in apartments and sky tv. she said she wasn’t sure and was eager to try to give me the number as she was in the claims depmt and they could tell me more……but I wanted to know more..lol. I asked if it flew from my local airport and whether travel insurance was included. all the time she was trying to get me away from this and onto the number. after some more questions from me about whether transfers from the airport to the aptmnts were included, she then told me I could go to france as well. lol firstly there were 3 destinations then four. I asked if she knew what she was doing and she just shrugged it off saying new deals always appear. she then told me of some high st vouchers I could claim. she rattled off some names and I rattled some off too asking why certain vendors were not included. she then gave me the phone number and told me to ring it. I thanked her and said I knew it was a timeshare scam as I found this very number on (this and other) websites and thanked her for wasting her time & money on calling me twice (as the line dropped once) and……well she put the phone down on me….it was fun while it lasted…lolol

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I just had a phone call from Wendy at CLC saying I had won a “luxury 5 star holiday” after answering a lifestyle survey in Leeds City Centre.

I could choose from a number of destinations. All paid for and “no catch at all – we’re not selling anything, we don’t have anything to sell you”

Initially, I was pleased…but I was a little wary when she said to call their “travel operator” on 0800 9889904. She said to call now because “the girl is there”. I was told they would talk me through everything but I didn’t have to decide on the phone about my holiday, they would send all the details through to me.

So…I searched a bit for CLC on the Internet, but didn’t find much. As soon as I typed in the 0800 number above, this website was the second Google result.

First Google search result – ‘nuisance callers’ – http://www.sjgl.co.uk/nuisance-callers.htm

The 0800 number is listed on that website as being a nuisance caller to people in the UK.

There is more info on similar experiences that people have had with this phone number at http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/08009889904

Glad this website exisits…many thanks for keeping it going!

Ally

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

told these people that i worked for trading standards. they hung up.
never mind.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I was collared around Christmas time & reluntantly answered a survey in Droylsden, Manchester. The numbers involved have been 01268557600 & 0800 9889904. I must admit at first I fell for it as Im a total sucker but luckily for me my husband isnt! He refused to accompany me to the “presentation” in Haydock. I only googled the number to prove to my Husband that it was not a scam & persuade him to come & claim our desperatley needed holiday!!!
Here I am!! Proved wrong, Thankfully
Thanks for putting the time in to proctect us all from these heartless scoundrels.
Debbie.

Using Safari 523.12 on Mac OS X

Just had a call from a holiday company asking me to ring 0800 9889901 She was highly convincing that we had won! I asked over and over if this was a site that was trying to hook people into sales opportunities by pretending we had won and she said I was one of five winners in the country. I didn’t ring the number and I checked it out on here. I think if people are trusting or vulnerable these people could really upset their lives. What a ******* liberty! As Katherine Tate would say

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

28 Jan 08
Thanks for your site. I have just had a call from 01268 885 657 telling me I had won a 5* holiday and I was to ring 0800 988 9901 which I put straight into Goole and hey presto I found you.

Thanks for the wrork you have put into the site I was tempted to give it a try.

Regards

Duncan

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

We just got the call… 0800 9889900 was the number to call.. CLC the name. Think we will give it a miss !!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I just had a call from Siobhan at CLC and got the same story again “you’ve won a free 7 night holiday in a choice of luxury destinations – lucky you!!!”

I was given a reference number and told to call 0800 988 0335 within the next hour.

I said “this sounds to good to be true – what’s the catch?” and she said “Oh, there’s no catch. We just send people on holiday for free and they have such a good time, they come back and tell all their friends. This word-of-mouth marketing is so effective we can afford to give away free holidays. It works for us, anyway!”

Well, I just phoned the 0800 number to find out what they’re playing at. I spoke to Tracy, who said that CLC stands for Club LaCosta (UK) plc(www.clublacosta .com) and that this is not a prize but an award that I have been offered, for a promotion they are running. The web site for the promotion is http://www.exclusivelifestylepassport .com if you want to check it out.

She said it is not free – in fact, it costs £64.50 per person.

Also, I mentioned that when I did a search for their company all I found was negative press and stories of timeshares, and she said “we work alongside Trading Standards”…

Club LaCosta is not a member of ABTA or ATOL so there is no consumer protection other than the Package Travel Regulations 1992, so if you weren’t happy with the holiday you could complain to Trading Standards, who are responsible for enforcing the law.

I won’t be taking “advantage” of this offer because I don’t like being duped into buying anything and have asked CLC to remove my details from their database.

Anyway, hope this helps somebody!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.11 on Windows XP

Since Angela mentioned Trading Standards, this document on the tradingstandards.gov.uk website makes interesting reading. I have updated the main article.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0b2 on Windows Vista

There hitting Harrogate again, my wife gave them our number and of course we won a holiday…. I had to show my wife this site to convince here of the scam. Thank you very much for this blog Ian.

I think next time I’m in town and they work in packs of 4 to 6 I’ll shout out ‘Do not give these people your phone number! It’s a timeshare scam!’ and watch them walk away….

Using Safari 523.12.2 on Mac OS X

I just rec’d a telephone call on our ‘work’ phone number which I can’t imagine for the life of me using to do a survey! The telephone number they called on is a number withheld, and they tried about 6 times from 6.30 till 8.30

I was congratulated several times on winning their holiday draw, valid for 18months etc We too were asked to confirm we were house owners and a couple aged between 30 and 65!
I got told if I phone 0800 988 0335 quoting HP69597 someone would there be now to take my call.

I am not returning the call despite it being a freephone number.

It annoys me that there are many vulnerable people who may receive these type of calls (My Late Mother being a prime candidate for believing she had won small fortunes, just by sending off an admin fee) who believe these type of ‘giveaways’ & false promises that they have won something valuable.

Thanks for letting me add to your site.
Michelle

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Thankyou for all your comments! I’ve just received a call saying sorry I didn’t win my dream holiday to the “Maldives” but have won a trip to Portugal/Spain etc!
I asked if there’s any catch, and was it a timeshare?, to which she repled no! The girl said the only catch in her view was that there was a booking fee of about £35 p/p and that’s all. I asked if there was a website I could look as se told me to call free on 0800 9880335 and quote a ref nbr! I asked again re website and she told me http://www.exclusivelifestylepassport. com that’s where I found this site and thankyou I will not be calling!!!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thanks to this site and whocallme.com for enlighening me on the situation. Had a call at work yesterday informing me of how I had won a free holiday because of a lifestyle questionaire I had filled in. They told me to call 0800 9889904 and give ref to claim my prize. Little did they know that I used the 0800 number to track them down via the internet. I am very grateful for all those who have commented on this scam before me and I hope they rot in timeshare hell for trying this on.

Using Safari 523.10.6 on Mac OS X

My wife just had a call from CLC saying she answered a questionaire in altrincham a few weeks ago

and she had won a holiday ,,,,mmmmm yeah ok
lets go along with this

2nd one in 8 months i think

number was 01268557600 was number calling

08009889904 was number to call back with an alphanumeric code
etc etc

so there still at it

great site BTW

keep it going

G

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Same as before got stopped in Southampton in January. Received the phone call then to ring them back on 01268530988 to attend a presentation in Fareham which we did today. Well guys what an eyeopener had a marathon 3 hour talk. They had the heating switched so far UP it was like the Bahamas, people were taking their clothes off!!! Not sure if anyone signed, we didnt biggest load of old cack I have seen in a long time. I think my main problem was it was presented by South Africans (I hate the accent) sorry to any SA’s who may read this site. The owner is also from SA. I cant understand what they are doing over here selling such nonse. When we didnt buy anything, a great big fat SA man started to get verbally abusive (should be deported in my world) we left with out “holiday” which we will not be taking and our M&S vouchers. I found the whole sales pitch vaguely amusing especially at one point when I nearly nodded off (due to the heat) and the salesman said “stay with us” what a load of nonse.

Send em all back to SA where they belong.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 on Windows Vista

Well Well they`re at it again a new number to call back 08009880335.

But they gave me their website and from that I found this

thankyou to whoever started this !!
I won`t be calling them back.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Despite not entering a questionairre, my other half keps getting calls from this number. We live in County Durham. He has never answered, as I showed him this info before he did. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for warning about this scam.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

My wife took a call saying I had one a holiday from Just Rewards – CLC Resort Hotels and to call 0800 988 0335 (lines to 8pm) my reference number was HP7854. So if anyone wants a “Free Holiday” give them a call.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 on Windows XP

my partner was approached in grays in essex, the following day we go a call from CLC surveys, tel 01268 557 600 she “had won a luxury european holiday worth upto £1500 5star, for upto 4 people incl flights” i was assured it wasnt time share and to call 0800 988 9904 and quote ref 44LE, i would receive and extra £50 shopping vouchers, i asked what the catch and she said “no catch” but when pushed she said i would have to sit through a 2hr presentation before i got any tickets – ive since spoken to a high flying salesman friend of mine and even he said they give you a very hard sales patter. dont get taken in, i wont now.
great site, im happy since ive read others tales, you feel like your missing out on something until you read others stories.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I’m so glad I checked on the internet….got the same phone call today!! thank you very much for the advice. It has saved me a journey to Haydock Racecourse on Sat 1st March for a presentation.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just got in and OH had googled the 012…number as it had called twice, without a message.
I did a quick questionnaire last week in our local Tesco. As they had a stall there I thought it would be legit. Oh well…never answer unrecognised numbers anyway. Bit like Homeserve and I have their number listed now!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

So pleased I googled 0800 988 9904, same phonecall about winning the holiday! thanks to you all for documenting your experiences. its saved me another rubbish call!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 on Windows XP

Great posting, thanks.

I have just won a free holiday myself, (same 0800 number, same scam) … and strangely enough will not be calling their 0800 number to claim it!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 on Windows Vista

been asked to attend their presentation in leeds tomorrow had to give my claim number on a 0800 number08009889900 the address if anyone is interested is Club la costa plc Ground floor francis house Quayside business park George mann way thwaite gate Leeds LS101dj Tel 0113 270 5222 Thinking of going for a laugh, leaving my bank cards at home obviously But i thought it would be fun to wind them up a bit and film the whole thing for you tube thanks for the warning about the heating turned up ill go in shorts n t shirt.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I have just received a phonecall from C.L.C from a witheld number telling me that for completing a questionnaire online, I have now won 4 return flights and 4 star luxury accomodation in either Portugal, Southern Spain or the Canary Islands. I asked what the catch was, and she said no catch but I would just have to pay £29.50 per person 6 weeks before my holiday for an ‘admin’ fee. She gave me a reference number and told me to call 0800 9880335 where I would be asked a few questions which would take about 5 minutes then everything would come out to me. With scepticism, I tried to call the number as it was freephone, but after nearly 2 minutes of ringing no-one answered. Having read these messages, I’m glad I didn’t get through! Shame on these people.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

So glad I goodled this – 01268 885650.
Was at a craft fair last Thurs 28th Feb) and filled in a questionnaire to win a luxury holiday/£3000. Thankfully only gave my mobile number and so far haven’t been around/my phone’s been off to take the call. Looked at the receipt and it says 2minutedraw. Thanks for enlightening me, will be weary if they call again and mention timeshare and it being a con, that should hopefully stop them phoning again.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

LOL – just received another phone call and answered this time – they said they were from 2minutedraw and was calling in respect to the questionnaire I filled in last week at a cross stitch show (not quite correct as it was a craft show). They went through the details I answered on my form then said they had good news for me as I had won a holiday. At this point I was smirking and almost laughing as I knew what was coming. Didn’t really give her the chance just said I knew what was going to happen as I had done a search on the internet and heard about them; about timeshare etc. Well she didn’t really say anything else after that, said said “okay thank you”. Doubt I’ll hear from them again. I forgot to ask “how could I have won as it’s only a week since the drawer and it says about 14 days after and the drawer closes 15th March”. LOL

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 on Windows Vista

Been to my presentation today just nodded and smiled throughout it lasted 3 hours the alarm bells started ringing for me when i was told i couldn’t go home and think about it i had to say yes or no on the spot, and sign up for— wait for it!—– £3700 for three years trial membership. then after a period of time i could up grade and part with £12000 pound life time membership. But i have to say it was the only pushy part of the whole three hours i found the rest of it entertaining, me and my wife were in stitches laughing at the hosts nodding in agreement at the testimonials on the dvd we were watching and Jenny bond endorses it so it must be ok. But seriously if your not doing anything for three hours and you fancy a laugh you`ll find it very entertaining and educational. And you will get £50 of Argos vouchers and a holiday voucher just say no at the end. they did have a product to sell and it may suit some people just not me. I`m not a fool and me and my money are not easily parted. Especially on the spot with no time to think about it.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I too have just had the call (08009880335). The woman asked a few questions like “how much is our annual household income”!! If i’ve reallly won a holiday what on earth does that matter!! I just feel sorry for poor people out there who fall for this!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I got mobbed in Chester back in Feb. I took a call last night. 0126857600 who confirmed my questionnarie answers and told me I had won a free holiday to any European destination of my choice – quite exciting as I would have chosen somewhere expensive like Monaco or Italy, not anywhere involving timeshare apartments..
08009889904 was the number to call back with reference 48HP.
I won’t bother ringing or going along but nice one to Martin above who obvously is up for a laugh and doesn’t mind wasting a couple of hours.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Well, thanks SO much for this wonderful site! I got taken in at my local Tesco store a couple of weeks back and sure enough, yesterday received the phone call saying I had won a £3000 holiday anywhere I wanted to go……. I listened to what she said and took down the number I was to call: 0800 988 9901. I have not called it and will be taking the matter up with my local Tesco store with a serious complaint, believe me! Is it not time the law toughened up on this hoax, fraud or whatever it really is?

Using Opera 9.25 on Windows Vista

Just returned from Tenerife and sat through “presentation” Obviosly saying no. Does anyone sign up?
I have the holiday voucher and am tempted to go for the holiday.

Can ayone advise if the holidays actually take place bearing mind the registration fee of £29.50. Thought 4 days midweek in Cornwall would be ok even if we have to attend another presentation

Can anyone who has taken the holiday please advise

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I’ve just received a call from a witheld number, same as many of the people above, asked to call 0800 988 0335 with my reference number to claim my “free” holiday.

I must admit, I was a bit excited, naturally sceptical, but thought it might be real. Having read the above, i’m really not sure what to do! Do i sit through a presentation, say no to timeshare and get a voucher or is it all one big scam?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

They got my details at the boat show in Jan, I have had 3 calls, the latest today from 01268 555095, Usual thing “Ring 0800 988 9904″ within the next half hour and you may also win an extra £50 shopping voucher. I now have the numbers pinned up next to the phone along with some of the comments and questions off this site, next time they call I will be prepared…

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.12 on Windows XP

The main telephone number for Club La Costa, the company behind this is 020 8205 6111

I phoned them today and they assured me that my name would be removed immediately.

Their full details are

Club La Costa (UK) PLC
1st Floor
50 Colindeep Lane
London
NW9 6HB

Tel 020 8205 6111
Fax 020 8358 4111
VAT Number GB 001 741 037
Company Registered Number 3123199

They are also the registered owners of the website http://www.2minutedraw.com

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Having received a number of calls about ‘free holidays’ over the last few months I decided to do some research on the internet and discovered this site.

Today’s number was 01268 9889904 and I was to ring 08009889904 in the next 15 minutes. The caller said he was Mark of CLC.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Thanks for the tip off! I too had a call – this time they are calling themselves ‘CLC’ (which is Club la Costa) with a ‘free holiday’ (29.50 admin fee) for 4 etc… The phone number to call is slightly different : 0800 9889904

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Gutted…I really thought we had won a well needed holiday
I had to ring a (very nice) lady called Karen from Club la Costa on 0800 988 0335. I did this from work (good job if it turns out that it wasn’t free phone). I have been sooo excited today I have rung my family to share in our good fortune. However, my lunch hour of research was well worth it, it now sadly seems. I’m thinking I might ring back to say that I am interested in going to the ‘award presentation’ and give a few incorrect digits in my phone number so that they ammend my contacts and can’t get hold of me ever again. Who would think that visiting a Fishing Exhibition in the NEC could cause so much stink. Well, I suppose my finace would say that meeting John Wilson was worth it… Seems fishy to me xxx

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Had a call today saying I had won a holiday, to call 08009880335 and quote HP69500. Checked this number on google – sure glad I did.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had the call from a witheld number asking me to call 0800 9889901. Decided to Google it as I’ve never won anything in my life and go by the old addage of “If its sounds to good to be true, it normally is!”

Thanks for the Blog, I will have fun with them when they ring back to “check I’ve phoned and got my holiday!” Yeah right!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

thanks
for the advice my wife had me going on saturday to some hotel in glasgow to pick up our free holiday tickets
you have guesed it they can stick the holiday
pluss on the broo
dont think i will qualify

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had a call from these! Saying that i had completed an online lifestyle survey, LOAD OF CRAP, ive never done one.

CLC as they are now calling themselves, blah blah free holiday for 7 nites, call number 0800 9889900.

They mustve just got my number from somewhere. Woman on the phone was rushing to get me off the phone before i asked to many questions, sounded like a very busy call centre! Might call the number back later and wind them up a bit.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows NT 4.0

What a great site.

I have just been phoned from 01268 885650 I like most here have won a holiday. Wooohoooo! All ihave to do is ring 0800 9889901 !!

Ok I have been here before. It’s all a hard sell to get you to part with your money.

It’s all a joke and trading standards should get a grip of this.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

They are still at it – just received a call from 01268 885650. Had to call 0800 988 9901 to speak to a travel rep who would give me details of my free holiday. So very glad Ifound this site!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I to had a call from 01268557600 and I had to call 08009889904 to speak to a rep and claim my prize. Just for a bit of sport I rang club Costa and told them to poke their free holiday up their arse. I also added that if they called me again I would sue them for harassment. I actually enjoyed it. Its always nice to be in the know.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Finally spoke to a female and when asked if I was in full time employment I informed them I did, I then informed them that I was in fact a manager for trading standards, she was very quickly on the back foot and informed me we shoud not have been told we had won a holiday because they infact deal in a type fo time share. From the horses mouth they are a time share company!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When I challenged her and stated I would now have to update London trading standards about them miss selling products she hung up. Very un customer friendly.
I havent had so much fun since a cold call for double glazing to our new build house that we had only lived in for 4 weeks…….

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

my wife just gave me a call saying she filled out a form at the ideal home exhibition and she has won a all expense holiday paid. she gave me a number to redeem the holiday. i gave a call to the number and basically it is all a con. first you have to attend a seminar. once she said that i relizsed it was something to do with timeshare. ignore these calls i,ve just explained to my wife who is quiet upset that all this is a con. don,t belive any juck mail or phone calls all a con.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Have booked a seat at a presentation in Bluewater for the end of this month. I have no intention of signing or buying anything, and am quite happy to pay the £29.50 per person booking fee.
So what is the problem?
I am not impressionable, I know my own mind, I can refuse to join the holiday club but still obtain a cheap holiday.
What is there to be worried about?

Using Safari 523.12.2 on Mac OS X

Just had the call – please call 0800 9889901 ref POL544L – could do with a holiday, but could do with paying more on the phone bill and spending half a day listening to a sales pitch even less.

Are these people so stupid that they do not search their own details on the web and see what everyone else already knows.

This site was a gold strike find. Thanks so much.

Using Mozilla 1.8.1.13 on Windows XP

Just got the call, from 01268 557600 telling me to ring 0800 9889904 for my free holiday, 7 nights in either Spain, Portugal or Tenerife.

I would also get £50 of vouchers for my trouble when I attend Lakeside shopping centre!!

Thought I would look on the net to check, it took a while but many thanks for this site.

How do these people get your name and mobile number?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Was called today, asking to speak to my other half… He had completed a survey and put my number on the survey….. hmm!
Jody…. was calling from 01268 557600 and told me to call 0800 988 9904 and quote ref bla bla… I asked what the catch was and she said there wasn’t one….

Won’t be calling the number, I have better things to do with my time…

Thanks to this site!

Cheers

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had ”THE CALL” telling me to ring 01702608928 to attend a presentation in Heydock.

They said i’d won a 7 day Lux holiday to 1 of 3 destinations all I have to pay is 29.50 per person booking fee.

Thank goodness i checked on the internet.

Thank You, you have saved me a trip.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Received the call today from CLC Resort Hotels saying we had won a holiday for 4 at a 4* hotel of our choice. They asked me to to call 0800 9880335, quoting a reference number. They said I would need to pay £29.50 booking fee per person and would have to attend a 2 hour presentation in London. The caller id was with held so I decided to check the company out on the Internet.
Thanks for saving me the hassle.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Had the call earlier today from a withheld number advising that I had won a holiday. I was sooo cynical and asked the woman how I had won. She explained that I had completed a survery 18 months ago which had the holiday as a prize. I can’t remember what I did last week let alone 18 months ago. Still did not feel right but she told me, ‘it’s absolutely free, you are the lucky winner’. I reiterated the, ’so there’s absolutely no strings?’ she replied, ‘No… except for a £29.50 pp admin fee’. Seemed reasonable but still could not recall entering the competition so rang the 0800 9889901 number given to get the company name. First thing that comes up on CLC is that it is a timeshare scam – no surprise really but I feel for those people who are a little more gullible and would get caught up in it. Always rememer. you don’t get owt for nowt in this life!!! Thanks for the previous postings – I don’t feel like a plonker now.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I received a call from 01268885650 earlier today.

Again was told i had completed a survey recently. What got me initially suspicious was the caller was using my maiden name. I did not correct him.

He told me i had won this fantatic luxury holiday and gave me the number to call to claim it 0800 988 9901.

I asked him directly if it was a scam and he said it was not. I asked him to confirm which survey I had supposedly completed and he said it was a general shoppers survey. He did not give me the company name of where he was calling from or the survey company name.

I thought it sounded just way too dodgey and politly said goodbye to him.

I have not followed up with the 0800 call. But searched for the number online to see how many others had received a call from this company recently.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.14 on Windows XP

I just had a call – NUMBER WITHELD

Telling me to ring 0800 9889900 as I’ve won a Carribean Holiday. I told them that I’ve not entered the comp, but he said I’ve won anyway, and to call them as it’s 0800 anyway.

So I did. They confirmed that I’m married and living in the UK and we earn 25,000 or more. Then went onto explain the costs (about £70 each in booking fees and airline tax)

then said that I have to sit through the seminar. which I’m really not interested in as I’ve had a very bad experience from this kind of thing before.

Credit to them for trying, but no thanks !

Thanks for having this page Ian, I found it by searching for the company name, which they were happy to give me “Club La Costa”.

Cheers

Griff

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I had a call this morning from 01268557600 and I was asked to call 08009889904 to speak to ‘them’ and claim my prize. Rang the 0800 number, ‘guaranteed holiday won, CONGRATULATIONS twice’; confirmed etc etc. Gave them my details (I told this lady that I thought it was a scam), arranged to go to a meeting fairly local in near future. Vouchers worth £50, plus I had to pay £25 per head booking fee etc. Did the customary ’search’ and here I am posting. Thanks to ‘Nick’ above (post March 25th 2008) for head office number for Club La Costa.
Rang this number at 1750 this evening and said ‘is that Club La Costa’, and that was confirmed, then said I didn’t now want to attend the meeting as I had now looked this up on the internet and it was a scam, as originally thought. Also said I now knew it was a timeshare operation, and she basically confirmed that and said it was. I was told by this lady – Sandra (new receptionist!) that it wasn’t a Free holiday – ‘who told you that?’ – and ‘yes, it is a promotional holiday’ and she will get someone to ring me in the morning. Look forward to the call. Stange how the ‘new receptionist’ said ‘who told you that it was a Free holiday, so quickly!, their ‘receptionists’ obviously learn fast!

Hmmmm.

Isn’t the internet wonderful? Now the ‘wind up’! Do ‘they’ read about themselves on these websites I wonder?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Surprise surprise I just had a call from 01268 557600 telling me I have won a FREE holiday and flights package- all I had to do was phone 0800 988 9904 to claim my FREE prize! Being the suspicious type that I am I entered the details on the web and came to this page- thank god I did. These people must think we are stupid not to realise that there is no such thing as a free holiday- and from what I have read it isnt.
Thanks again for this page- and for saving me wasted calls and time.

Sue

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just received such a call and naturally Googled some of the details the lady on the phone mentioned. Notably CLC and ‘lifestyle survey’, one of which I apprently completed recently.

Wonder where they get our details, because I’d only ever give my mobile number to reputable companies whose T&Cs promise they wont spam, after getting junk text messages in the past.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I completed a survey in WH Smiths, Lakeside, last Saturday and have just had a phone call to say I’ve won a free holiday. Why are Smiths allowing this company to do this in their store?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

What a suprise to here they are still at it just had the call 01268 557600 you have won a free hol What a laugh .thanks for warning Not going to bother calling the 0800 number cant be bothered with this kind of CR::.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hello, may I just be a voice of reason, I had a call, ‘we have won a holiday!’, straight away, as it was an 0800 number and the web site showed a real company, I contacted them, told them straight up that we are not ‘holiday’ people as such, I have never been abroad, and in no way interested in ‘timeshare’ holidays, assurances were given that we have won and were offered a nights accomodation in a top hotel in London plus a meal for two in the west end. O K I knew we would have to (potentially) sit through at least two hours of sales talk, but what of it, we still had a day to do the sight seeing. We booked a cheap coach ticket from S Wales to London, returning next day, found the venue, having walked from Victoria Station, past Her majesty’s pad (B’Palace), had lunch in Green Park, walked the Mall to Admiralty Arch, enjoyed the ambience of a very busy Trafalgar Sq, proceeded up Charing Cross Rd to Totenham Court the West End, found the venue, asked for our cup of coffee (others didn’t ask and didn’t get!). Now the feeling of Wildebeasts and Hyenas came to mind as we sat there, hardly darring to make eye contact with fellow ‘victims’ as the Hyenas pounced, taking us out couple by couple, our turn came ushered into a very large room, Sales reps competing to be heard above the noise, our rep, very politely introduced herself, a bit of light banter, then I struck! ‘We are not really holiday people, and have no intention……..etc etc, never been abroad… and so on, she lifted herself up off the floor figuratively speaking, ‘I’ll just have a word with our manager’ she returned, a few awkward moments passed as we awaited the arrival of the manager, ‘Hello, I am ….. thanks for your honesty… our reps work on commission only…… we will honour everything in your letter, including your holiday, please feel free to go and return at 5pm to recieve your vouchers for the hotel, meal and hol, thanks again for coming’ It was lovely spring afternoon, we strolled around the West end, went back got our hotel confirmation booking and voucher for our meal and details of the holiday entitlement. We set off down Oxford street, found our hotel near Marble Arch booked in, changed walked back to the West End had a lovely Italian meal and enjoyed a late evening stroll back to the hotel. Next day had a sumptuos breakfast, booked out from our hotel, paid £1.50 for the paper delivered to our room, spent a good time in Hyde Park and V&A meuseum, made our way back to Victoria bus station, returned home, what a great weekend in London for the cost of the coach fare oh and £1.50 for the paper (and £1.95 for a map), thank you Club La Cost. We have decided to take the holiday in Cornwall, so if we end up having any hint of the hard sell we can just up and leave (bit difficult if your in Spain etc relying on flights!) So, go with a determination not to get sucked in, better still, as we did, take the wind from their ’sales’ first, 20 min it’s all over and a great time can be yours.
I should have say that should you be of the particular ilk, that you can be easily persuaded by sales talk then please do not venture to try the same as we had done, if in doubt keep well away. it is dangerous ground. We’ll think twice before we take up the offer of their ‘free’ holiday in Cornwall, if we do go, we are prepared to leave early if the ‘hard sell’ starts, that’s the main reason we are not taking up the offer of Spain/Teneriffe or Portugal as the thought of being a captive audiance doesn’t appeal, nor the thought of having to, in haste, book flights back to the UK should the need arise.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Still operating-Bath, not going to both even ringing the 0800 number-would rather choose how to spend my hard earned time….

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

I got the call on monday, told to ring the 0800 number which i did but the line died after someone picked up, then yesterday (thursday) i got a call from them again on my mobile, after checking the number on the google & reading these very pages i thought id be straight with them & asked is this timeshare to whcih the girl (jade) replied that they do timeshare as one of there products. I then asked her to explain what i needed to do to get a holiday so i have agreed to go to a seminar to get £50 of vouchers… the best thing is i have to take along my “partner” with me who lives at the same address as me to qualify for the free (except for £29.50 booking fee) holiday to tenerife, the thing is HE is my house mate so we are going to look like a gay couple haha, we are going to take our girlfriends on the holiday with us anyway.
I dont see this thing as a scam… more misleading, i’m going solely for the intention of a bargain holiday if that involves a few hours out of 7 days of somebody trying to sell me something i am not going to buy then what the hell. i would like to hear from anybody who has been on one of these holidays & whether it was worth the £29.50

Cheers Chris

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Went to our presentation in Leeds last night, told them firmly at the end [before we discussed the joining fee] that we had no intention of joining CLC. They tried to change our minds briefly but it was far from hard sell. Collected £25 M&S vouchers and are going to submit our holiday request shortly [depending on the cost of the airport tax etc] which YOU have to pay, along with the £29.50 admin. If it works out ok it will be a nice cheap holiday for four of us. I’ll keep you updated.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Like everyone else I got the call, had a momentary celebration before realising it was likely to be a con. They (CLC) sent a letter confirming our appointment in Leeds. On the back of the letter was a web address which brought me straight here! Someone shot themselves in the foot there methinks! GReat site thank you for confirming our suspicions and savimg us considerable time and money

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Got a call today similar story and was given the number 0800 9889901
So please refrain from calling this number.
Sincerely grateful to the person mainintiang this site.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I too received a call telling me I had won a seven day all inclusive holiday in Europe. I was given the 0800 to ring , but before I did I checked on the net via Yahoo and found it was a scam. Thank goodness for the net, which save me time, money and aggro. Thanks !!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

becarefull ,thx for all your advise here.i just come here to check the call my wife recieved 5 mins ago,,is telling the same story..alll blablabl its TIMESHARE….are they people who still believe in a free present from someone u dont even know???????????? are they trying to be more generous than god him self or what????????????????????
nothing is free for free. wake up,

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I had the call this afternoon from 01268557600, giving me the number 0800 989904. I was obviously suspicious at being offered something for nothing, and they then told me I would get £50 M&S vouchers if I rang the freephone number within the next 30 mins!!! Is it posible to block calls from a certain number?

Using Safari 525.18 on Mac OS X

So glad I found this site, saved me untold misery. Just like Moray, I got the call this afternoon from 01268557600, giving me the number 0800 989904. Told them I wasn’t interested – ta very much.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.14 on Windows XP

many thanks for this information, I completed the questionnaire in Chesterfield and WON!! ha ha ha.. the company is now called 2minutedraw.com and the number is 0800 988 9904. all seemed pleasant enough but am very glad i checked it out first!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I completed a questionanaire in Chesterfield and now Im in the same area as everyone else.glad I read this before I went to Leeds. Shame I wont be getting the vouchers. The next time they call, which im sure they will I will be telling them where to go. They have made me call a new number today which is 01702608928.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Had a call this morning from a company representing ‘CLC Resorts and Hotels’. The caller’s number was with-held and she gave me the following number to call: 0800 988 0335. Apparently I had won a holiday in Portugal, Spain etc. for 4 people. No catch she said, just a booking fee of £29.50 per person. As with others, the company running the draw was 2minutedraws.com.
I knew it had to be a scam, and a quick ‘Scroogle’ came up with this site. Thanks for the info, very useful.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Thank goodness people are doing it for themselves! This site, the comments and the information you have all supplied confirmed my suspicions from the call I had last night.

The same routine; given a reference number and the freephone number of 0800 9880335 and a choice of three destinations.

You’ve saved me an awful lot of trouble!

Thanks

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I have just received a phone call stating that from the form I filled out at the British Super Bikes I had one a free holiday, decided to use a search engine and by putting in this number 0800 988 9901 and came up with this link.
I CERTAINLY WONT BE RINGING THE NUMBER.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Same as Spike. Just had a call from ‘number withheld’ saying that the questionnaire I filled in at BSB Brands Hatch had won me a bonus luxury holiday etc. I was actually told that the holiday would be in a private members club but that I would not have to attend any presentation etc. Just ring the number to get the vouchers. I am naturally suspicious so I put the free phone 0800 9889901 into Google which immediately brought me here.
Thanks everyone. Fortunately I gave my office number and not my home number. If they call again I know what to say.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.14 on Windows XP

sa me as above, got my number from a questionaire at devon county show, number is 08009880335. required to pay 29.50 booking, plus airport taxes. same old same old…..

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

This scam is still going on via on-line surveys. You get the call from a withheld number, and are told to phone an 0800 988 0335 number. This is answered by someone from Club La Costa, and usual spiel fo “free holidays”. You have to pay £30 per preson and airport taxes and heres the catch, attend a 2 hour exhibition in London to get the holiday. Glad i found your website, ans i certainly will not be attending.

thanks

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows 98

I just received a call after doing the survey in Crewe Cheshire, I was congratulated on winning the holiday in Spain for 4 people, told me to call 08009889904 , The caller quoted the company as CLC and that head office had just confirmed I was the ‘lucky one’. I was to quote ref HP23 and they would handle the rest.
I asked outright if it was timeshare, he said ‘NO’…….
You could hear it was a busy call centre.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hi everyone,
Thank God for this website!!! Ian (The guy who originally started this) you are a star!! Also amazing that all I did was type the phone no they told me to ring into google and up you came!!
Me and hubby just went on a holiday to Bulgaria and got hit on at the airport on the way home. We were led to believe the guy worked for the tour company we went away with (Balkans Holidays) so were quite happy to answer a few questions as we had a fabulous time in Bulgaria. Said we go into a draw to win a holiday and thought it might be bona fide as it appeared it was through Balkan Holidays. But as we never win anything forgot about it.
My phone rang this morning and suprise suprise!! we had one a holiday, blah blah totally free, of course I asked about timeshares and she said no but we were staying on a private members resort. Told me to ring 0800 988901. So later on that day I rang it – dead line. Typed no into the internet and up came this site, flicked through all the responses and discovered I was missing a no in the phone no. So just range 0800 9889901, yea you’ve guessed it £29.50 admin per person and got to go to Lakeside for a presentation. I said it’s a timeshare, she said no it’s a free holiday but you have to attend the presentation. I said that Club La Costa should be ashamed of itself, getting people to ring up and tell us it’s a free holiday and then say gotta pay and got to presentation. Told the girl on the phone I wasn’t having a go at her, but could she pass onto her employers that their scam sucked and I am going to report them to the Office of Fair Trading. Oh and I also said how can it be luxury and self catering!!!
Let’s keep giving them grief!!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Got a phone call today. Call from 01268557600 to call 08009889904 claiming to be from myoffers.co.uk £29.50 for the booking fee, and you get £50 in John Lewis vouchers.
It was CLC, and I rang the freephone and then googled, as I guessed it involved a sales pitch.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hi, a new number to look out for 01702608928. They told me I would get £50 M&S vouchers if I rang within 30 mins. 01702608928 for a “free holidays” yet we are required to pay 29.50 booking fee “UH”

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.14 on Windows Vista

Hi,

Have just been called by the same people CLC and have to say that i knew there was going to be a catch. Weirdly my parents signed up to a similar thing years ago and we had some great family holidays using GVC. However the way that they are now going about selling these timeshares leaves a lot to be desired and for that reason I will not be taking up the offer.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows Server 2003

Hi,

The number I was called from is 01268 557600, then I was instructed to call 0800 988 9904, I was to do this within half an hour as I would be called back. How can I get myself taken off there list as they wont stop ringing. I think when they call my work again I will tell them Michelle has left the company!!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I cannot believe that we cannot stop this kind of **** from con artists. I’ve been in the same boat as many of the above – and i cannot believe there are 2 years worth of this going on on this site alone. Same as all of you – smelt a rat and googled the number and hey presto – you get nothing for free without a high price. How can we stop these idiots – those that are sensible enough to realise it are merely annoyed (well driven to distraction) by excessive phone calls from demetented idtiots but the more trusting amongst us are at real risk from these scams. How do we combat it?

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Today myself and peter my husaband went to one of the leeds presentations with a very open mind. yes we new it was timeshare but having lived in spain for years we were familiar with the scams they pull over there. We have just got back home from the 2hr speel and I would like to say it was not really hard sell at all. I was very suprised as before we went in ther building I was wonddering how it would go. All the info was laid on the table, yes it was timeshare approx £12k for 1 week until the year 2067. they offered a trial package of approx £3800 for 7weeks to be taken within a 34 month period. we could work it out for ourselves if we thought it was cost affective. e.g for a family who take a couple of expensive holidays a year it would work out ok but for us i sat and totalled up what we normally spend per year and it was not work it. no hard sell although the info they agve you took two hours it was very drawnout.
Iwant to say give it a go. Ihave my m& s £25 voucher to get some vino . and am trying to work out whether the scam , if indeed it is one extends to the point I Pay my £29.50 fee pp to get the free holday o/seas.
HAS ANYONE BEEN ON THE O/SEAS BREAK ?????? either spain, portugal of tenerife ? Did they get the accom of a decent standard or was it ppor, did they have to go thruogh any more speel overseas etc.. IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE WHO HAS BEEN ON THE FREE WEEK?? I have accom and flights for 4 persons. please let me know . Jo

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Hi

Yesterday my husband & I spent 3 (rather pleasant hours) at Duchally Country Estate as part of the sales pitch of CLC. We had a nice lunch afterwards in the leisure centre. It was not a hard sell and we did get our £25 vouchers(us Scot’s must be cheaoer to bribe!!). Like Joanne and a few others, has any-one ever been on one of these holidays? £29.50 plus airport taxes could add up and I am abit reluctant to send a cheque for £29.50pp.

Cheers Kat.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Hi all…
Part of me wants to slap myself and say ‘WAKE UP GIRL!!’
I had the notorious phone call this morning, from CLC…telling me to “Phone 0800 9880335 and quote REF; HP69515, because id won a FREE HOLIDAY BLAH BLAH BLAH”
So what did i do?……D’OH……i phoned!!!
All sounded WAAAAAY too good to be true……i asked the woman on the end of the line (who actually seemed really nice!) Ok…so whats the catch? Extra Expences? Written Contract info, Timeshare etc….to which she replied ….’NONE…..you have WON a competition, the only cost is £29.50 pp plus airport taxes
…..hmmmmmmm ok then (feeling gullable but somewhat lucky)…..
As i DID actually enter a competition!! Maybe i COULD have won something!!
WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO
She then went on to say, that because i had to travel to pick up my tickets, (living in Bristol) …..i would get an overnight stay in the 4* Shaftsbury hotel LONDON, dinner for 2 and breakfast in the morning…..JUST FOR PICKING UP TICKETS!! She then reassured me that this place was stunning and told me to visit londonnights.com to have a look around.
Wow sounded great…..not only do we get a free family holiday, but we now get a luxury overnight stay, all expenses paid in London.
This by now had put my suspision to rest….definately a con…..waaaaaaaay tooooooo good to be true!!! I then Googled the number given, and low and behold……a whole new world of conned innocents!!
GUYS…..THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS….JUST SAY NO!!!!
Nothing in life is ever free….thank you to all of you lot on here for confirming that these scum sucking pondlife are most definately a con and you’ve saved me the travelling expence and embarrassment of actually turning up to get “MY PRIZE”.
Cheers
Kerry

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

And here was me thinking I’d been really lucky- actually I didn’t believe a word of it, but wrote down the details so I could ‘Google’ them!
I was told I been ‘awarded’- not won, I might add- a 7 night holiday for up to 4 people including flights which could be worth up to £1500! Part of me would have loved to have believed it all, but NO. No, No, no no- no way!
All the details others have mentioned were checked through with me too and I was told to call the holday advisor to go through it all. I told her I was rather dubious and she just replied that the number was freephone so I had nothing to lose!
0800 9889901 and an alphanumerical code to quote…. or not quote as it will be!

Very interesting what a Google search turns up!

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.14 on Windows XP

I just had a call.

They are using now

01268 557600

My sister actually did one of these and apart from the hard sell for a few hours on holiday, she said she loved it.

However, I will not be doing the same.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Hello there,

Well, let’s start like this:

I just had a call and am quite cross now after having read your stories.

An annoying sounding sales person called saying I have good and bad news: you haven’t won the carribean holiday BUT the good news is: you’ve won a holiday to Europe.

I had to call 0800 988 9900 and quote a reference. Same story: 7 nights, 4 people, pay £29.50 per person plus airport taxes. Valid for 18 months.

I called them. Lady was actually nice (poor girl who has to work there). I have to go to an exhibition in Leeds during the week. I can’t take time off work (thank god).

If they say free, WHY do we have to pay something?

I am going to call them later and ask to take me off their list.

If they want to send me free holiday tickets that’s fine, they can but I am not going anywhere to listen to a sales pitch or to pick up tickets.

Good luck to you all.

Lina

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Hi
a big thanx to your site i googled the number that i was asked to ring and hey presto found that it was a con.
Ive been recieving calls at around this time 6.45 to 7.30pm for the past few wks but when i answer the line goes dead. when i checked the net this often happens when companies want to get a rough idea when people are at home!!
Today I had this call which I allowed the poor person to ramble on about a ‘free, all expenses paid 5star’ holiday….yeah right. They wanted me to ring by 8pm tonight (which won’t be happening). Of course i thanked the man, took the number then pressed caller id………no number. So I dare say that they’re onto this page by with holding their number.

Many thanks for saving my time.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows 2000

Ah the wonders of google…….

Was bored in Fuerteventura’s airport a couple of weeks ago on the way home and was cornered by a scouser, so answered the 4q’s..

Lo and behold I won a free holiday……

Got a call from a withheld number this morning, listened to the flannel from a perfectly nice sounding lady…(I was already deeply dubious anyway i might add).

A 5* holiday worth £1500?? 5* costs more than that love…..
£29.5 admin per person? Not very free then is it….
etc
etc
etc

Immediately googled the freephone number (0800) 988 9901 08009889901 0800 9889901 and found this.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

same thing happened with me ………

BUT, when i call the number 08009889904, with the ref.numb. i got from them,i didn’t qualify for the holliday because i wasn’t home owner, i wasn’t married, wasn’t full time employed and they told that they are sorry about that.
i miss the point here….. of this call i got

the phone they gave me is free of charge….????

there should be something…… if all that is a scum

and i didn’t read here anything about THEIR PROFIT FOR DOING ALL THAT

Leave a coment
Thanks for the help of this site and to all of you

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Hi, to everyone corcerned about clc resorts & hotels

my name is paula and i recieved a call from clc stating that i had entered a online holiday survey/competition and that i had been awarded a 7 night luxury holiday for up to 4 people inclusive of return flights and 7 nights accomodation to either portugal, the canary islands or spain.

There was also two uk destinations for people who did not like flying which were either scotland or cornwall.

I was told that clc resorts & hotels cover the cost of the flights and accomodation for 7 nights and that there was a small booking fee of between £29.50p up to £64.50p payable four weeks prior to taking your holiday which also included all airport taxes and surcharges and that the holiday was valid for 18 months.

I was then told i had to make a date to attend a meeting to collect my holiday award and shopping vouchers and that i was under no obligation to buy, join or rent anything to recieve my holiday.

At first i was like, this cannot be serious, i had never been awarded anything like this in my life before, so i did a bit of research myself and there seemed to be good opinions about clc resorts & hotels and bad opinions too.

So in the end i made a date with clc resorts and hotels and went to the meeting, as it happened to be at my local shopping centre. When i got there i decided to leave all my money & credit cards in my car, just incase they did try to hard sell me. All i took was my i.d which i needed to collect my holiday award and shopping vouchers.

I was shown around with my partner and told about the resorts and what clc resorts & hotels offered as a company and told that they had been established for over 10 years.

The sales reps did try to convince me and my partner into buying into a timeshare but i stood firm and told them i was not interested at all and that i was hear to collect my holiday award & shopping vouchers, the meeting did go on for about 2 hours.

At the end of the meeting i was told to prove that i matched their criteria, so i showed them my i.d which they accepted and i was awarded my holiday and shopping vouchers.

I booked my holiday up and got the dates that me and my family wanted and went to spain for a week, everything went well and our accommodation was first class, the kids loved it.

I enjoyed the holiday so much that i told my friends & family to phone up and use the same reference code, so they could also expierence what i had in spain. But i must stress you do have to meet the criteria otherwise it would be pointless ringing up as they ask you for i.d when your at the meeting.

To meet their criteria, you and your partner must be:

- between the ages of 25 – 62
- married or living with a partner
- and a uk homeowner

If you match the criteria then call them and say you’ve been awarded a 7 night luxury holiday for up to 4 people.

Use this reference code and freephone number below to claim your holiday.

REFERENCE CODE:

P.S – it would be best to call them on a weekday as i never recieved calls on the weekend, when they were calling in the past and if i remember correctly i think they are open till 8pm.

Takecare and i hope this helps everyone

Paula x

Everyone is different,everyones situation is different, only you will know if this is for you, but for us, we are looking forward to many more holidays.

All the best to you.

Using Safari 525.18 on Mac OS X

Some interesting comments from Paula, however, the cynic in me has one question: If you found them so good, what were you doing searching Google for “clc resorts and hotels warning“? Not something I would expect a satisfied customer to be doing.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.14 on Windows XP

Just come back from the presentation
instead of 2 hours it was 3.5

If you search google for CLC/club la costa
you ll find mostly negative comments

Also one guy posted the entire script prices etc etc
wish I had seen it in advance

The first question we were asked was
“What do you think about this offer?
I replied “its too good to be true so it probably is”
I was right

I work in the travel industry I can t believe I did not ask for the ABTA or ATOL number

Although it was not really a hard sell
I should have seen thru it
nothing in writing
people writing key words on writing pads

Lots of mind games used

Hope my wife gets something nice with the Argos vouchers !

cheers

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

My husband got the call today after he filled in the form at Snetterton Super Bikes. I made the call thinking that it was possibly a hoax, the talk got better and better as you all say just pay £29 per person and attend an exhibition in London stay at a Hotel with breakfast and evening meal in posh restuarant all free but they wont send me the letter etc until i make the date to attend the exhibition which at the mo i can’t make these dates so he won’t send anything.
Say’s i have to call later when i can.
Decided to look on the web site he gave me but saw this one underneath.
Thanks all of you for confirming that i was a numpty to even call in the first place.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.15 on Windows Vista

the holiday is legit. but you do get a 90 minute tour of the complex where the hard sell begins again so all you have to say is NO!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I filled out the briefest of surveys a few weeks ago in Leeds as the woman was quite old and frail and I felt sorry for her! I didn’t give her ANY personal details but she did ask for a number so that someone could make sure she had done her job! I gave her my desk number.

Today I received a call at approximately 13:00, when I answered with my standard business greeting (Special Investigations, Jay speaking…) the caller paused as if trying to decide if she was going to continue or not and then eventually said she was calling from Lifestyle Europe and her name is Emma Burvill, although the contact number is EXACTLY the same as those quoted above for other companies. (01702 608928) She gave me the usual story, claiming that I had won their prize draw of a 7 night holiday for 4 people with all the accomodation and flights paid for.

She insisted there was no sell involved and I would not have to pay anything. Clearly bollocks! She was then very insistant that I give her my home address so that they could send the confirmation paperwork and book a meeting so that I could provide ID in order to claim my prize and nothing else. Again, clearly bollocks! She could not fax, or e-mail anything and again demanded my home address.

I asked her for her contact number and gave her a fake address. I then did a quick search and found this. Out of courtesy I called her back and advised that she had been rumbled and that the address I had given her was fake. She found this rather amusing and suggested I was being stupid for not claiming my FREE luzury holiday. I informed her that I was a Special Investigator and as such was far from stupid when it comes to matters such as this.

So to summarise they are now using the name:

LIFESTYLE EUROPE:

and using the contact numbers:

01702 608 928 and 01702 608 927

and they:

LIE TO PEOPLE LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Nuts, and I thought I’d won! lol, I so need a holiday.
I guess I’m eternally cynical now, so ‘google’ everything! and found this site.
no point in me reiterating everything, as I got the same spiel as everyone else! 0800 988 0335
I am tempted to go claim my free shopping vouchers, I am certainly not swayed by pushy salesmen!
Although, my phone call didn’t put a deadline on me calling the phone number, and infact I had no mention of vouchers… was this only told to you after you called the number?? I can use the office for all points of contact

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Server 2003

Scam now under 2minutedraw.com in conjunction with DiscoverGB. Phone call just received letting me know the good news re a holiday in Spain, Portugal and the Canaries, but if I don’t like to travel then also Scotland and Cornwall (ah! that reminds me I was asked when surveyed which had been my favourite holiday and I said Scotland!) and inviting me to call free phone 0800 9889904 with a ref number and promise of £50 shopping vouchers. Destinations sounded time share’ish so googled, and won’t be making a call.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0 on Windows Vista

I had 3 ’silent calls’ yesterday from the 01268 557600 number. My wife would have freaked out at this but she was out at the time. I couldn’t wait for them to ring me direct as there was no way I was paying for the call.

Anyway, this morning I jumped to the phone and spoke to a girl called Gemma who was very nice and told me I’d won a luxury holiday for four to Mexico or Florida. When I asked her if the call was being recorded she said ‘yes’ and I pointed out that I was doing the same for my own records. This obviously alarmed her and I was invited to speak to a supervisor. I won’t name him here. I said that I wanted my details removed from all and any databases they had. He assured me that this would be done and that the original paper form would be shredded. I hope that this is Mission Accomplished. I can’t be bothered with jumping through sales hoops to get at a holiday – of whatever quality. In case I’m ever contacted again this entry on your website will serve as evidence for the Information Commissioner.

My privacy is very valuable to me and I should have known better than to give my details to anyone but I can’t wait to see one of these 2minutedraw people out and about. For information : I was buttonholed in the car park of John Lewis in Cheadle.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

hello all,had the dreaded phone call today,filled the survey in at fuerteventura airport,told to ring within the hour to receive my bonus,asking if i am over 25,cohabiting and working,surely if i had won a holiday none of that would have mattered,well done all for bringing this site up,never would of known otherwise.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.1 on Windows XP

Paula is definitely a stooge, you can tell by the style.

They called me from 01268 557600, mentioned the survey I filled in. gave me the spiel, a reference code of 22L, and a free phone number of 0800 9889904

Must admit I’m tempted. I said casually to my secretary ‘God I hate it when I can’t work out the scam, must be timeshare’ so she asked about the call, and then admitted she not only went to one, but actually bought the holiday club/timeshare thing, however very recently, so cannot give any feedback about the quality (no I am not going to say anything nice about these scammers and fall into being a ‘Paula’).

But now I know the scam, I’ve rung up, and it’s 2 hours (ok, 3.5 according to ‘John’) at Lakeside, flights paid, £29.50 per person. Sadly the kids will both be over 2 at date of holiday, so no freebies there.

It’s a toss up between telling them to ‘go hence’ (tempting) and taking the deal (also tempting). I’m being subsidised to the tune of a few hundred quid for 6 hours of my, and my wife’s time (including travel). I can’t decide whether that’s a good deal until I know how much cheaper this is than it would be for me to buy, and whether it is something I would buy anyway.

Also I love messing with sales peoples heads. The one to go with is;

‘Yes, I agree that is a truly outstanding offer. No, there is no-one in their right minds who would turn it down. No I am not going to buy it’. and when they ask if you are mad, simply say ‘I can see why you would think so’. they will be reduced to incoherence very quickly after that, it is truly a pleasure, and works in ANY pressure selling situation.

So there is an element of ‘it’s a fun day out’. Provided I can get the mother in law to babysit. your mileage may vary, and I’d definitely say don’t go unless you are a total git, and don’t mind people getting upset at your totally reasonable behaviour.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Oh what a great tool the internet is – and of course this website. I have just received a call regarding the ‘competition’ I entered when flying back from Bulgaria. Initially I thought WOW brilliant! However like may other people on here I thought whats the catch. I did ask the girl the same and was told there is no catch I would just need to pay the airport taxes £29.50. I just needed to ring a freephone number 0800 9880335 so the details could be sent to me – strange since they already have my contact details already. Anway thanks to this website and I wont be calling. I have better things to do with my time.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows 2000

Hey all.

Can I just say in favour of the telesales staff at GVC (having worked there) that we were never told that this was a scam, and fully believed that what you were getting was a free holiday to sample the amenities etc and that you would need to attend a presentation.
Call me dense, but some people need to earn some money and thinking that we could be giving somebody something gave us a nice feeling.

I no longer work there, and am in no way protecting anyone but the people on the phones didn’t know anymore than what you do.

Yours Truly

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Many thanks to all the previous entries on this site.
It’s stopped me in my tracks, before I wasted any more time with this selling scam.
I received a call this morning from a guy who asked me to call the processing office on a free phone number to claim a prize.
I had to call 08009880335 this morning with a code HP277R51 and was informed that I had just won a ‘Life Style’ competition draw, that I had apparently entered into whilst I was at the London Motor Show at the Excel London, a few weeks ago.

My prize is a 7 night fully paid (airfare + Accomodation) for up to 4 persons.
After I stupidly confirmed that I was married, with mortgage and the correct age group, I was informed that I would have to attend their London Exhibition Center and be put up in the Shaftsbury 4* Hotel in Park Lane to collect my tickets.
I would have to pay £29.50 per person to cover admin and the holiday could be taken any time in the next 18 months.

All I did was to Goggle the free phone number and I got this site.

Needless to say that I won’t be calling Kirsty back to arrange the collection of the tickets as this is obviously a selling scam.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I just had the call – all the same guff “free trip to Canaries, Portugal or Cornwall”.. I couldn’t believe it!

I asked the lady what the catch was, and she said that all they wanted was for us to attend an ‘expo’ and to tell others all about them. I thought ‘oh, and expo – that’s easy, just turn up and then leave, no pressure’.. but then the lady on the phone said that they had time slots for us to go in … thats when I knew it was def dodgy – getting pressurised into something.

I wish I hadn’t called the number – I called it from work. 0800 988 9904 – I hope it’s Free, they said it was and i think all 0800 numbers are free, aren’t they?

This site is great, I wanted to just see for myself how much of a hype this was.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just got a call myself from 01268 557600 asking me to call 0800 9889904 with a reference. New it was some sort of scam when she was talking to me but was at work and not in the mood to argue.

Anyway, a quick search later and I found this thread.

Thanks all

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I’ve had a very similar experience to Gary (15/08/08). Entered a draw, got the call, googled the number and found all this. I asked what the catch was but was told that there was no catch except the £29 admin fee per person. Thanks to this thread, I won’t be ringing.

I thought it was funny when I entered the draw and the girl said to me “We’ll call you when you’ve won”. Surely that should have been “..if you win”

Thanks All

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Thank God for the Internet. Seems like I just became a member of your club, but as I have a very suspicious nature found my way here after my phone call today from Club Lacosta Hotels and Resorts from none other than Keith Robinson gave me his name and every thing but insisted I call within 30 minutes to recieve an extra prize of £50 worth of vouchers. My number to call was 0800 988 9900.
Hope everyone that recieves one of these calls finds this website before they get too involved.
Thanks.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

thanks i’ve been pestered for a few days from calls from such numbers and have not been able to reply. on finally managing to answer a call for some reason could not hear caller.

normally as my phone is used for business i reply to all missed calls as could be work££. now i wont bother

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had a call from 01702 608927, saying I had won a free hol after entering a prize draw (which is true). He said he was calling from ‘Lifestyle Europe’. He then said I would have to call their head office in order to recieve the free holiday details as, and get this – ‘due to the Data Protection Act’ – he would not be able to pass on my address! He said I should call as soon as I put the phone down so they didn’t miss the post! Gave me a referance number and then another phone number which is 01702 608928, note one digit different from caller! Was sure it was a scam but thought I’d check it out on the net. Found nothing relating to hols under Lifestyle Europe but found this site by phone typing number in. Thanks Everyone!!

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.1 on Windows XP

Just has the same call with a reference no of 140rlw. Am also going to tell them that my husband is working for trading standards. (not). This was my second call from them as I never phoned to claim the first time. They then told me that the old reference have now expired and that I have a new reference number. I wont be making the second call. Thanks to you all for the information

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I’ve had a few missed calls on the mobile from 01268 557600 over the past couple of days and when I answered another call yesterday, to my surprise, I was told I had won a holiday for four plus flights.
Apparently I had recently completed a survey (don’t remember where or when nor could they tell me when asked) with the first prize being a 5 star holiday to one of the following places – Spain, Portugal, the Canaries, or if I wanted to stay in the UK, Cornwall or Scotland.
Being a little skeptical I asked what the catch was and that no one gave away free holidays…
I was told that it wasn’t a ‘free’ holiday as it would be self catering (last time I went on a 5 star holiday it definitely wasn’t self catering!) and I would need some spending money for meals but that there was no catch.
All I had to do was call 0800 988 9904, quote ref 38PMB, and the rest would be taken care of…
I asked which company they were calling from and was told it was CLC Resorts & Hotels, on the net at http://www.clublacosta.com/ .
Anyway, a quick Google search has brought me here and the many comments posted to date, suffice to say, I shall not be calling the free phone number

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Got the calls. answered one…….yes i had won! AMAZING. Now trading as 2minutedraw.com. Same con as above. Don’t both calling them.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I’ve had many missed calls from 01268 557600 over the past couple of days and when I answered yesterday, I was told I had won a holiday for four for 7-nights Self-catering holiday including return flights!
Further into the call I remember completing a survey at Bristol Airport. I was informed I had won the first prize being a 5 star holiday (not sure how a SC holiday counts as 5 star) to one of the following places – Spain, the Canaries or Portugal or if I wanted to stay in the UK, Cornwall or Scotland valid for 18 months but booking fee of £29.50 PP. I was told to phone 0800 9889904 with reference 29BA. A quick trawl of the internet brought me here, needless to say I wont be ringing them!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Just recieved a call saying my wife and I have won a superb free holiday anywhere in Europe.. and that I should call 08009889904 to claim it. Glad I looked on the NET first.. Thanks to all who post warnings on these scammers…. I would call them something else, but am sure it would be blocked ;0)

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Even i left my sceptisism behind when my girlfriend told me that her mother had won a holiday + 1k spending money but was too old to take it so was giving it to us!

I knew this must be fishier than Jaws, so i asked how this ‘PRIZE’ had come about.. same story, questionnaire, phonecall ect..

My girlfriend gave me the details to check, i immediately saw on the back, that the prize was tranferrable to 2k cash.. i told her mother she should claim the cash and we could all go on the holiday we would want!

apparently the prize code means this wasn’t available at this time….

so, even the vague terms and conditions on the ticket had not been met by the company. time to do my own research and here i am!

i think i can sum it up. between £29 – £65 ‘admin fee’ probably does cover some surcharges, taxes etc and also the cost of hiring the venue to sell the time shares.. bargain flights are cheap for you and me, imagine if these guys get them by the plane-load.. pennies, the accomodation will obviously already belong to them…..

i only get 4 weeks holiday each year so i’d rather spend a bit of cash to ensure i spend those weeks where i want doing what i want, not on someone else’s timetable…

i am a salesperson myself, but i’m fortunate to work for a company that sells useful products to fill people needs, not one who train there staff into signing agreements they will regret almost instantly.

thanks to this website as it has so many replies i think it makes it easier to see from all sides.

could you get a cheap holiday? probably.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Yippee I am one of the lucky ones too but am gutted that I haven’t been offered £1K spends or £50 vouchers. I will ask for this next time they ring. I knew this was a scam from the start but was caught late at night in Mahon airport. I was hoping that someone would have a solution as to how to stop them ringing. My internet is playing up and I get cut off everytime the landline rings. AAaaahh! STOP CALLING ME PLEASE!!!! I will tell them i’m in the middle of a messy divorce, my husbands run off with the au pair and am selling the house to live in a cardboard box. – I Will let you all know how I go on.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows XP

someone tell me what the scam is here – I’m a little thick.

I go to a sales presentation – I say “no thanks” to the offer – I get a free week’s holiday in portugal.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.3 on Windows XP

Thanks for this site. I too was sceptical when I received the call today informing me I had won a holiday for four following the completion of an online questionaire. I was given a code and an number to call (0800 9889900). It answered with ‘Club Costa’ saying all their lines were currently busy, so I put the phone down somewhat suspicious and started researching on the internet and discovering this site.

Now, I do not believe there is any such a thing as a free ‘lunch’.

So PAUL, assuming you are not associated in anyway whatsoever with this ‘free’ Holiday organisation, you must weigh up the information from both sides, make up your own mind, go for the experience and judge for yourself, then maybe report back as others have done here.

This site has been very useful and informative. Thank you. I have made up my mind and will not be taking this further. I guess now I will be subject to further phone calls!! If so, that would reinforce my belief that this most likely is some kind of pressure selling scam.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Received call yesterday claiming to be from Lifestyle Europe and i had won £599 to spend on a holiday. reference L003 All i had to do was call 01702 608928.
what a con!
Thanks for the info. Great work.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hi,

I have had the same experience this morning. Lifestyle holidays phoned from 01268 557600 to tell me I had win a holiday – had to phone 0800 988 9904 immediately to claim and I would get £50 high street vouchers to spend on clothes for the holiday.

Seems to be a scam, I will not be phoning.

Emma

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Like many others, I had a call and was given the ‘congratulations you have won…..’ followed by a reference number and 0800 988 9904 to call. I was immediately suspicious, googled the number and got to this site.

I’m not normally taken in by these scams but was approached at Malaga Airport whilst queuing to board the plane. i.e. within the secure area. Having been shown an ID card and told it was a survey, I thought I was being helpful!!! Why has an airport authority allowed this to happen? I shall be complaining to them.
My question now is, how do I now stop unwanted calls to my mobile?

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Just received a similar call to the rest of you.

Assuming you attend the presentation and pay the fee, and assuming the holiday isn’t luxury it is what you expect of a holiday abroad for £30.00 per person. I have read an awful lot of cynical responses up here, yet not one from someone who went on the holiday. Does this mean that nobody ever gets there?

For those that have been.., what was the holiday like? I can live with a hard sell, if I get my family away for something akin in price to a sun newspaper holiday in exmouth, (actually, no it’s cheaper!)

Thanks

Andrew

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.17 on Windows 2000

I just got this same call and thank this website for being active.

total scam, no chance of rining them back. I’m just concerned they had my details, I never fill out in the street forms nor do I opt for marketing.

b*******s

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

same ref no and phone no as Helen today. £500 in vouchers offered. We had friends go on a similar thing, might be the same company, not sure. They had a very cheap holiday in tenneriffe.
They sat through the sales pitch in tennerrife, didn’t buy anything and are happy. I’ve attended a couple of the meetings in the UK to get the freebies, one was very, very hard sell, a second no problem but again that might have been a different company. We just said no at the start and left.
I think it’s how you view these things, so long as you’re duly cautious.
Richard

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

thanks thomas cook, in flight questionair won a free holiday same as above, not going to bother seems abig con…. why do thomas cook allow this to happen on ther flights, its partly ther fault..dont think i will use them again, thanks to this site ,

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.4 on Windows XP

Just got my call from 01268 557600. Won 7 days lux hol blah blah blah. £50 voucher. Your ref is 48rr. Call 0800 988 9904.

Where did they get me

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Hi,
Just got a call (number withheld) telling me I was the lucky winner, and to phone 0800 9889904 to claim my voucher from a company called La Costa. Sounded like the girl was calling from an Indian Callcentre.

Don’t know where they got our details from as we would not generally complete surveys, and certainly would not be interested in timeshare.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Like most here,
I got the call after doing a quick survery at Faro airport.
I did go along with them and booked a slot at my ‘local’ presentation point in Bristol knowing full well I would never attend and thought no more of it, this was all back in early November 08 now a few weeks later I have a missed call on my phone 01268557600 which is unavailable when you try to call back, glad I was at home to look this all up.
Thanks to all those that have contributed to this site to save other the problems,

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Hi – thanks for setting up this blog. To those people who say that it isn’t a scam, or who say so what you don’t have to phone back etc – agreed, but the thing that annoys me is people using my phone number, which I pay for, to make these sales calls. I just want them to stop.

I keep getting calls on my mobile from 01613859103 – when I answer I get nothing – not even a ring tone. When I dial it back on my mobile it rings a couple of times, then I get a beep and “call failed”. I have no idea who these people are, or how they got my mobile number, but I want it to stop. I have to keep my mobile switched on in case my elderly mother, or her even more elderly brother need me in emergency – but this number keeps ringing my at work – sometimes more than half a dozen times a day.

Does anyone know how I can stop this.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Just had a call from 01268557600 (Club La Costa). Won a holiday blah, blah. Phone our Head Office 08009889904 to register. I don’t think so after reading previous postings. Club La Costa specialise in Time Share and overseas property sales and at the end of the day it’s all about them trying to sell you something you probably don’t want or can’t afford.
When my phone rings again and I recognize the 01268 caller I will hit the answer button and put the phone in the cupboard. If I do accidentally answer the call I will have to admit to owning timeshare in Cyprus and recently having my home reposessed. I would hope that the calls will then stop.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

reply to maz– There is a number that you can call you can get it from BT it in manchester they stop all nusiance numbers to mobile or house it cost nothing i try and find it for you I used to get them in the rarly hours in the morning any time between 2400hrs till 0300hrs and ask me to phone them back but it was always on a answer phone but igot rid of them

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.5 on Mac OS X

@cr3zyid – while TPS does stop the majority of cold callers, it will not stop a company to whom you have supplied your phone number, such as on a questionnaire to win a free holiday. We were already on TPS when we got the original call.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Had a call today from 01702 608 924.

Much the same as above.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had call from 01268 557600 asking me to ring 0800 9889904 giving me a number to quote. So glad I typed the numbers in Google! Same spiel – will be sticking to my 2 week holiday in Cornwall!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I’ve just ‘won’ a holiday. I was called by 01268557600 and asked to call 0800 9889904. I shan’t be bothering.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I have just won. Called by 01268557600 & asked to call 0800 988 9904.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Had a call today saying that we’d won a holiday and had to call 08009889900 within 5 minutes, obviously don’t want anyone checking them out first !!! thankfully found these comments so wont bother. woman on the phone spoke that fast i could hardly follow what she was saying but i did ask her to repeat who she was calling on behalf of, CLC HOTELS AND RESORTS. Havent got the time or energy for timeshare sales!!!!! While writing this got another call from a firm called 2minutes holiday saying exactly the same thing but gave me a different reference code.

Using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X

Have just had call from 10268 557600 informing me I have “won” a holiday for four in Spain, Portugal or the Canaries. This was in response to a survey at Bristol Airport on February 23rd. I wast told to call 0800 988 9904 for more information. Thanks to this site I won’t be bothering!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Just had the same thing as above. I got a call from Michelle: 01268 555095
She asked me to call: 0800 9889904 with a win reference number etc…
She said, “Congratulations you’ve just won a holiday for four in the Canaries, flights included.”
It all sounded too good – and I can’t remember filling out a hotel survey…?!
So, being slightly less than dumb, I found this website with a quick second check.
Thanks guys, keep up the hard work.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I have just received a call from a withheld number telling me I had won 1st prize etc etc. Great work with this, one search has given me the result I expected! Like some of the people above I don’t recall filling out the survey?!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I just got the call too – I did ring 0800 9889904 and got the spiel about coming to the exhibition to pick up the tickets – suffice to say won’t be bothering!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Hi, I just got a call from 01268 557600, again telling me to contact a free phone no of 0800 9889904. Tried to look for either of these numbers on the web and thankfully found this site. Thanks for all the comments – always thought you don’t get something for nothing in this life!!

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.7 on Windows XP

I just got a call from 01268 557600, telling me to contact free phone 0800 9889904. The other half filled out a survey in IKEA Bristol to win a holiday in Cornwall, yet we were told we won a 5* trip to Spain or Portugal with accommodation and flights.

Interestingly, the lady told us that after speaking to the person on the freephone number, we would be SENT our holiday confirmation, so no mention of presentations so far. I was also told that if I phoned that number within an hour, I would receive £50 of high street vouchers.

Very disappointed that IKEA would allow these people to operate within their premises, it actually looked fairly legit being a holiday to Cornwall (not Spain!)

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Yes I too filled out the survey in IKEA Bristol, surprise surprise I just got a call from 01268 557600, telling me to contact free phone 0800 9889904 as I had won a family holiday to Europe!

They also said they would ring back to check I had called the number!

I haven’t bothered to ring the number after finding this on Google, so thanks everyone for the heads up.

If anyone does go on the holiday, don’t forget to send us a postcard!!!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Just had the same call from our 01268 557600 number and was asked to call 0800 9889904 and book my free holiday. Guess what, when I called the noise in their office sounded exactly the same as the one from the earlier call.

Booking free costs 29.50 pp, and they’ll give us £50 in shopping vouchers (JL/M&S etc) once we’ve attended the London event and collect our winning tickets.

Smelling lots of fish, I googled the number and have been very happy to read your detailed report. Will stick to the caravan me thinks. Thanks for your efforts

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.8 on Mac OS X

I’ve just received the call from 01268 557600 following completing a questionnaire at the Vitality Show in London last Friday. The guy told me he was from CLC and that I’d won a free holiday for 4 and had to phone the 0800 9889904 number straight away as they were waiting for my call. Being very wary of cons and scans I googled the 0800 number and thankfully found your blog. They can continue waiting for my call, I wont be ringing them – there’s no such thing as a free anything as far as I’m concerned!
Can’t believe they’ve been pulling this con for years now!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I’d just like to say that I’ve been receiving calls from 01268 557 600 for the last month or more. They call two or three times per day. I never answer my phone, but even if I did wish to answer the call, they only ring my phone for 1 or 2 rings mostly. I have left a weird voice mail message on my phone – something along the lines of “Hi, I must have missed your call. If you leave me a message after the tone I’ll call you right back. If however your number is not recognized then you’ll have to leave me a detailed message otherwise you’ll never get to speak to me. Bye!”. My friend tells me to remove my stupid message but I don’t care! I’m sick to my back teeth of receiving calls on my phone from people I don’t even know!

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows XP

I got a call 10th April from 01268 xxxxxx (can remember the phone bit). I entered a competition with http://www.giraffepromotions.com on the ticket. First prize “Florida Holiday for 4″ the other prizes are: Golf & Spa weekend, Break to Cornwall or Sctoland, Formula 1 racing experience day and Catamaran Holiday for 2. I filled a questionnaire at the London Dive Show in the Docklands. The guy also told me he was from CLC and that I’d won a 1 week luxury holiday for 4 to Tenerife, Costa del Sol or Algarve worth £2000. So I had won something that did NOT appear on the ticket, interesting. I had to call 0800 9889900 (this number looks a little familiar) and quote ref: SEV 232R 124A. I would have to pay £29 pp booking fee (nice that’s £116 for a family of 4) and also the Airport Tax (sounds strange as I was suppose to have won something).

So I called anyway just curious. Got through to Martin – he said I would have to come with my wife to a place on Tottenham Court Road to be presented with the tickets. What was wrong with posting them – they could not risk losing them. I gave an email address I don’t use and a redirected mobile number (that will get redirected to their 0800 number). I would also get £70 in Theatre tickets or vouchers. He wanted to book me in for Sat/Sun 11:00 or 15:00 or Wed/Thurs 19:00. I said I would call back when I had decided on a time.

This blog reaffirmed my suspicions – thanks. No free lunches, if is sounds too good to be true…. Also strange winning something not on the original ticket/questionnaire.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows XP

Fascinating! I’ve spent over an hour reading all this as I’ve been stopped in Wickes in Rayleigh Essex for a questionnaire today. The kind lady even filled the form in herself. I asked her why she wanted my phone number and she said “in case I win”. Well it looks like I will be winning and I’m very much looking forward to the call. Why are Wickes promoting this type of business especially when we were just overcharged for some compost (should have been buy two get one free – it wasn’t).
One last thing – that phone number (01268 555…) looks suspiciously like a call centre in the Raleigh area who often phone us with all sorts of discounts etc, This would explain why yiou have to ring another number. I’ll let you know what happens.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.8 on Windows Vista

April 21st and the scam is still Ongoing. Call came in from 01268-557600. Same speil about winning a comp I don’t even recall entering and saying we had won a holiday. The fact they needed to confirm 3 rather leading questions, age, married or living with partner and home owner immediately rang a few bells. Was given the 0800 9889904 (I only add it to fir this page high up in the google rankings which is how I found this site) and a reference number.

Needless to say I won’t be calling it. As a hotelier My time in getting away is very limited anyway.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Ditto : Kathy & Ken

Needless to say I won’t be calling the free number 0800 988 9904.
Great site this by the way. Hope it saves others from costly mistakes.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Entered prize competion at Brands Hatch 13/04/2009 ( Giraffe promotions ) Received call from withheld no. today 11:30 am, usual blurb about winning luxury Self catering holiday incl. flights. to either Algarve Tenerife or Southern Spain.(not mentioned on entry ticket receipt) Asked to call 0800-988-9900 quoting ref SEV242R106. Giraffe promotions website undergoing construction, funny that…..just like those poor souls caught out buying timeshares and still waiting for the property to be built!
Thanks for all the info. fellow cynics.

Using Safari 525.27.1 on Mac OS X

Just had a call today from these people – calling themselves First Class Prize and mumbling something about an Orlando competition which I don’t quite get as the prize that I’d won was 7ghts luxury accommodation + flights to either S. Spain, Portugal or the Canary Islands. I was told to call the freephone no. 0800 9889904 and quote Ref. 41PEC where they would confirm my details and send a letter of confirmation of the prize. Hasten to add that I shan’t bother…sounds like way too much hassle. Hey, it’s going to be a cracking summer in the UK this year (so they say!) so let’s all stay at home and enjoy the sights of Britain instead!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

Its funny that there are some people who still think it is OK to con other people out of their hard earned money.
I have posted here to add to the rest of the contributors. I have just recieved the same phone call with the same promises To ring an 08009889904 number Ref O4 PEC194 for a “free “holiday for four……………….Yeh right Guess who is not going to make that call EVER.
Thanks to the internet we might one day stop this sort of thing ??????????

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I’ve just been called today by CLC with “you’ve won a free holiday” from a withheld number.
I did fill out an online survey many many months ago from which she quoted almost verbatim from with some of my answers.
She gave me a freephone number to call – 0800 988 9900 and quote ref STSW001100 and said if I called it straight away I’d get £50 shopping vouchers.
Much as I’d like a free holiday I don’t think I will call the number in view of all the comments on here, but it does concern me that they will keep calling me now asking why I haven’t called it.
I’ve stopped filling in suveys online now and changing my telephone number as I get several calls a week trying to sell me insurance or something else.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Well done for setting up this site, If it wasnt for the internet many people would be getting ripped off. I also was rang up by these leeches and given the same number to ring to claim my “prize” which as you have guessed, i wont be doing.They are now using a freephone number 08009889900. If they ring now i just put the phone next to the radio for them to have a listen to, if we all do this then surely they still have to pay a phone bill also it’s much quicker than talking to them to get rid of them!

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Hi

Just received a call to say I’d won a ‘free’ holiday for 4. After reading this site I was going to see how far I could carry it & get a ‘cheap’ holiday instead.

I got put on hold on the 0800 number & kept getting reassurances that it was a free call. Gave up after 15 mins. Might try again, surely £29.50pp is better that £hundreds charged by tour operators.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

I also received a call this morning from Giraffe Promotions regarding a town survey I filled in. I have “won a holiday award”. All I have to do is call FREEFONE 0800 9889904 quote a number and pay £29 booking fee – so I checked on the internet and hey presto I found this site. On Giraffe’s website in their T&C’s it does mention about holiday awards are run separately and carry their own T&C’s. Needless to say I will not be taking them up on their offer.

Using Mozilla Firefox 2.0.0.20 on Mac OS X

Just got a call from 01268557600 . A comp i had entered ( cant remember) for a holiday has borne fruitious. If i phone 08009889904 they will send me all the information and i can have a right old time of it in the Canaries,spain or Portugal. I immediatley phoned my girlfriend with the tidings joyous and she called me a twat. After reading this site i fully concur with her ,rather harsh , opinion. NOTHING IS FOR FREE !!!

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.0.11 on Windows Vista

just got a call too and being as sceptical as the rest of you i typed in the number on google straight away and ended up here. thank god i did! thankss x

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows Vista

Thanks for this. I see that you originally posted it three years ago!! So they are still at it. Had a call teling me I have won a £599 cheque to be spent on a 5* holiday of our choice. ‘Cheque’ has to be collected from our nearest agent – about an hour from where we live!! – and must be both of us attending an appointment with ID – alarm bells rang………. They claim this is just a marketing give away to increase awareness of their small travel company?!! I immediately searched them – ‘Lifestyle Europe Travel Company’ – and this site came up……..
Again, many thanks.

Using Safari 525.28.3 on Mac OS X

I was approached at Malaga airport and had the call the other day saying I had won. Rang the other number as was at work and curious. They have sent out the details by post but after reading all your helpful posts I will be putting that in the bin and wacking myself round the head for being so naive!
Thanks for the heads up!

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I keep getting calls from Scott Baker on 01702 608924 regarding a competition I was ‘lucky’ enough to win. Even though I’ve said I’m not interested he keeps calling. Rather his phone bill than mine!

Using Safari 530.18 on Mac OS X

Great site with really useful information. I think that you are absolutely right that these companies must hate the internet. We’ve recently been plagued by calls from 01268 557600. Tonight my wife answered and was told the usual rubbish about winning a holiday in Portugal and told to phone 0800 9889904. I immediately typed the number into Google and wham, here I am!

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista

thanks for confirming my suspicions !

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

WooHoo for this site…… Yesterday I received one call from 01268557600 and today two (so far) I am now expecting more!! I rarely answer calls from numbers I don’t recognise, but curiosity got the better of me and I googled the number and found myself here! I now know to keep ignoring these calls, (maybe naively believing that eventually they will leave me alone?!) I know exactly how they got my number – TESCO.COM – online survey, I got tricked into giving my details including my home address, so the poor old postman might be getting a bad back soon from all the extra weight of the inevitable junk mail coming my way! Thanks for taking the time to create this site – very useful.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

hi just read your comment enterd form at the kent county show phoned and said i have won holliday thay are time share sales thought i got lucky thank you for this site

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I remember 2 ladies walking round the Kent County Show asking for details and entering them on a form. They gave you the T&C tear off and went off to the next victim.
Got the call today after 3 missed calls and went through all the blah blah blah from the operator. Apparently I have to phone 08009889904 to speak to someone else about a holiday, I DON’T THINK SO SONNY JIM!!!

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP

Mine (Giraffe Promotions) said I have won a holiday; the ticket says I can have £5000 cash instead. I haven’t called back yet, as I haven’t had time, but I will, just to see what they want me to do for the money!!

Has no-one bothered to sit through the presentation for that kind of money? I think I would!!

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP

thank you so much for the person that created this site -very useful to have my suspiscions confirmed.
I never ever enter on the street surveys. The lady at Giraffe promotions cornered my when I was sitting chilling with my children.
I got a call a few days back from CLC saying congrats I had won 7 week all inclusive holiday for 4, all I had to do was call an 0800 number quoting my reference number.
I was 99% certain at the time of the call that it was a timeshare – a genuine straightforward win would not make you call a different number to claim your prize; but there has been that nagging doubt at the back of my mind wondering whether it was a genuine win.
If you know how to play this game and you have the time I am sure that you could get some kind of prize but as a working Mum with 2 small children I just haven’t got the time to sit through a “presentation”
I failed to note down the reference number but my giraffe promotions entry number is 55576, hopefully someone can claim a free holiday on my behalf.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.5.3 on Windows Vista

I have just reveived a cheque for £599 – Ok at the top is says “This is not a bankers cheque”. We have to allow “two hours” to be shown the options available to us.

My wife trusts people like this – I can think of a million ways to spend two hours of my life – and not one will include being brow beaten into spending my time and money.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.5.3 on Windows XP

Thanks for this website. Got my call last night. Had been accosted by a pushy Giraffe promotions woman in Solihull a few weeks ago – I should have known better. CLC are using 0800 9889904 as their “claims line”. I won’t be ringing!!

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP

With regards to CLC, I filled in a survey on line and duly got the phone call to say that we had won a one week holiday for 4 for the cost of booking fees and airport taxes. We were also told if we attended the 2 hour meeting we would receive £50 in High Street Vouchers. Always curious we attended the meeting and of course said no to buying into time share, the meeting was more like 3 hours long but we did get £50 of Argos vouchers. After talking to a work colleague we booked to go to Spain and duly paid the agreed amounts came to about £290 for our family. CLC arranged flights from our local airport and we went to Fuengirola this year in April and had a lovely time in a 2 bedroom apartment (almost as big as my house), close to the beach. The only drawback was the day wasted talking to the rep about timeshare, although he did take us out into the surrounding countryside for a 2 hour drive and was really knowledgeable about the area. The format is, CLC give you breakfast at about 10am (not good for small children who are awake at 6.30am) then take you out for a bit then take you to their office where the harder sell comes, to be honest it wasn’t too bad and we used the recession and the threat of redundancy as a reason not too buy. Their accommodation was fantastic and really well cared for. It was all over by 3pm, we thanked the rep and said goodbye and went back to our holiday. On talking to other people in the pool we found out that some people have been on 3 or 4 of these holidays, always saying no, but getting a cheap holiday out of CLC. I’d say if you get a call from CLC give it a go, lets face it just under £300 for a family of 4 is not bad for a weeks holiday in Spain.

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista

I’ve just been called & was asked to phone a number 01702 608924. Have arranged an appointment at Sale in Manchester which I was told was a 1:1 briefing but not a timeshare sales talk. Thanks to this website will not be going, just hope they’re not persistent with follow up calls.

Using Internet Explorer 7.0 on Windows XP

Hi – we got caught at Menorca airport, got the call today and told to ring 08009889904. I was also offered the bonus £50 shopping vouchers. I got roped into one of these presentations before, and would have had to pay an enormous fee to get any flights that would fit with school holidays. If you don’t mind sitting through the hard sell – i guess you’d get some sort of reward. Great site – thanks for creating it

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.5.3 on Windows XP

I got this Lifestyle Rentals Certificate in the post today. Appointment set up for 15th October. Gonna go, and show these guys my Trading Standards Pass……

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

I had a call from 01268 557600 claiming that I had won a 7 night break in Jamaica! I had to call 0800 9889904 quoting my refrence no. – I was told it would be a free call from a landline. I had been accosted by a rather pushy lady at the Home Improvement Show in Earls Court asking me to complete a simple questionaire! I shall not be phoning the number after reading the information on this site. Thank you.

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP

Keep up the good work, just been called by 01558557600 to call the 0800 number, thanks for the heads up on these SCAMMERS

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista

I’ve taken advantage of these holiday clubs on a number of occasions. There’s no ’scam’ you just say ‘no’. I usually tell them from the start I’m here for the free vouchers and holiday, they accept your honesty and saves them wasting their time going through the sales pitch.

I’ve been on on CLC holiday this year, again told the sales guy from the start I wasn’t interested and he said fair enough. Had the breakfast, should us a couple of places to visit and some local knowledge and away we went.

Just had the call sending through a voucher for £590 towards a holiday, once get the details through then consider if I use it.

My ex in-laws are members of a holidat club but they purchased years ago, i’ve been to vegas, florida and a number of other places using the points ’system’, it just doesn’t work for everyone.

Before anyone asks, I don’t work for any of these companies (though I’ve heard the speech that many times, I reckon I could sell it for a living)

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows XP

On the beginning of this year I had a phone call from these people and I went for a presentation to Stratford upon Avon. I didn’t sign any document but I had my £50.00 voucher and holiday for about £100.00 for 2 people (inc. lovely apartment & flights). We had lovely 8 days holiday in Spain for £100.00. We only had 1 day with one of the Club La Costa representative who was trying to persuade to sign a memebership with CLC but we hardly said NO and that’s it really.

Using Internet Explorer 8.0 on Windows Vista

My husband has had a number of calls from this company and when I spoke to the and asked if it was a timeshare – the woman protested it was not. Anyway not realising at that stage it was a scam my husband had arrange for us to go along to a presentation. We were told we must be homeowner – but we’re not and he told them and they said it would be fine – alarm bells started ringing very loudly at this stage and that we would not be able to take our son.

Anyway the paper work and the “free” holiday was now going to cost us £39.50 each – more alarm bells. Anyway they have been ringing every day now for at least 3 weeks checking we are still going.

GUESS WHAT – after reading this website and the guardian article – we are not going to go anywhere near them and next time they call – I will ask them to remove our details from the database and report them to the OFT. Wish my stupid husband had seen the website first.

Using Mozilla Firefox 3.5.7 on Windows Vista

Got a call today from a guy saying I’d won a holiday. Phone number didn’t show up on my mobile. The guy asked if I was married and owned my own house. He then gave me a reference number and told me to call 08009889904. Called the number and got through to ‘Debbie’. She tells me I need to attend a presentation in Tottenmham Court Road. I arranged a time to go. Googled the number out of curiosity, and came to this website. Thanks everyone.

Using Internet Explorer 6.0 on Windows XP

My wife got a missed call from 01268557600. A quick google shows they are a shameless persistent pushy shower of scammers. Luckilly, my wife didn’t answer, and has no intention of answering if they call again.

I’ve read that they won’t hang up if there is noise in the background, so why not tell them to “hang on a minute”, then leave the phone beside a TV or radio. That should turn the tables on them and run up THEIR phone bills.