Money Mailbox Friday – Scam Checkup

by MoneyNing

scam are everywhere


Last week, I decided to take advantage of a mail offer to receive literature of the luxury resort package a company is promoting.  While I was not interested in joining or owning a piece of this property, I wanted the bonus gift of Zagat Survey’s 2008 Golf Guide.

I logged onto the website, and entered my offer code along with my email.  The process was a breeze since it already had most of my information.  By that afternoon, I got an email from a sales person who wanted to speak to me over the phone.  I politely asked him to wait until I get the package first because I wouldn’t have any questions without seeing additional information from them.  No reply to that email.

The next day, I get a priority mail package delivered from them.  I was impressed with the speed of delivery and responsiveness and also a little excited to see what the Zagat Survey’s Golf Guide was about.  I open up the package and it had:

  • Booklet that advertises their resort amenities
  • Another brochure with more advertising
  • No golf guide in sight

I was truly disappointed.  I don’t feel that the offer is a scam but I wouldn’t consider doing business with this company even if I was interested in the first place.  Another package may very well come at a later date with the golf guide but there is no way I will be a customer of that resort.

On a more encouraging note, other people who left comments seemed to have a better experience with similar offers:

Fiscal Musings – I got a 3 day 2 night stay on the Vegas strip just for listening to a sales presentation about time shares. Sure, the sales pressure is pretty intense, but if you’re confident that you can say no, then I’d say it’s definitely worth it.

Marci – I had a 2 night 3 day stay at Eagle Resort near Bend… Yes, I had to go to the 1.5 hr presentation – but once I said I wasn’t buying, just there for the free weekend, the sales pressure let up. It was actually fairly interesting – and a nice way to see how others splurge their monies… as it is a great golf resort, I can see the attraction for those who are retiring and wanting to live at a golf course.

For me, there were a few follow up mails, one phone call to see if the salesmen were polite and informative, and that was about it. No pressure.

luz also warned us…

Beware of emails saying that you won from the lottery and getting your personal info.

They might use your profile in crimes they might into so don’t give out your personal info easily.

Only time will tell whether it was worth it to send out my email address to them or not, but I will be sure to keep you posted!

If you have more stories to share about these types of offers, let us know by commenting about it!

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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }

luz July 5, 2008 at 11:32 pm

I also experienced attending a 1 hour seminar (thats what they said but its 4 hours of persuasion for me to buy a club share) I get a free voucher of 3 days 3 nights stay in a hotel but i didnt used it because i felt harrased on the meeting.

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Aaron Stroud July 7, 2008 at 1:18 pm

When I hear about offers like this, I just think about how much profit must be packed into whatever they’re selling. If they’re spending this much money in hopes that you’ll buy, they must make plenty when they manage to make a sale.

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marci July 9, 2008 at 11:43 am

Yes, I know

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magnesium July 10, 2008 at 1:29 am

I adore various offers and always try to hget them by any means

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Joshua Raines December 22, 2008 at 3:14 pm

I have a very simple excuse for not being able to buy into their timeshare. I really dont have the money.

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