by Kerfield
Fri Dec 07, 2012 8:01 am
We got a phone call saying we had won one of four prizes (a car, a trip to Cancun, $2500 in cash, or a laptop) if we come to a local hotel and listen to a 90 min presentation. What is the scam?
Typically, these lead to timeshare presentations, though occasionally something else will be sold.
The 90 minute session you attended would be a very intense, extremely high pressure sales presentation. The salesperson's job will be to get you to sign an agreement and commit to a payment before you leave the room.
As far as the freebie goes, there is usually something offered, but it is typically nowhere near the value you expect, and there may be heavy strings attached. For example, the vacation may include a hotel, but leave you responsible for airfare and excessive fees. The laptop may be a very low-end product, or it may require you sign up for a monthly program of some kind.
