Universal Fun Pass Scam

I receieved a follow up phone call from these scammers, and they wanted to confirm that I was going to cancel. I said yes, and they said I cant because this in a non-refundable promotion. They told me I would have to call my credit card company and dispute it. She put me through.. and 2 minutes into the phone call with my cc company, the scammer was still on the line, and started telling my cc company that it cannot be disputed. Thankfully my cc company said she would not listen to them, and that they were to talk to me directly. I said I would call back on my own.

What an interesting site! One of the reasons why the internet is so useful these days...my husband received a phone call tonight from an "Unavailable Name & Number"...I heard him answer and then shortly he asked me to pick up the extension.

It was a very excited lady, Amanda, who called to inform my husband that he has "won" a trip for two to Florida, all inclusive at Universal Studios, in a five star hotel, rental car with unlimited miles. I think I listened for a whole three minutes when I informed her we weren't interested and we would not be giving out our credit card number. She quickly said she wasn't on the phone to receive a credit card number, she was merely following up on a contest my husband had entered online "in the past three days or so". My husband looked extremely puzzled but we continued with this conversation anyway. When we said we were interested, she then said she would transfer us to the "Prize Confirmation Department" and we will be getting our package in the mail very shortly.

When that transfer happened, Suzanne was on the other line, another overly enthusiastic individual, who confirmed our home address, phone number, my husbands DOB and that he had an active Mastercard that starts with the number 5...my alarm bells started dinging like crazy and we listened to her spiel about this utterly wonderful vacation...upon hearing my six year old daughter in the background, she then asked if we had children. When we said we had three, she very happily informed us that we could include them in this vacation at "NO EXTRA CHARGE!" Ducky. After a couple more minutes of a super hard sell, she then asked for the expiry date of my husbands Mastercard and I ran for the computer. My husband stalled her for a little bit so I could find something on this company, and the first thing that showed up was this site. I briefly read a few posts and found several that listed exactly what they were offering...all for the low price of $249/person...we also got to read about a few of the headaches associated with trying to get your money back from both sides...the company pushing the hard sell and the credit card companies reluctant to refund your money.

When I said we actually weren't interested, and we haven't entered any contests, she was fairly eager to stop talking to me and tried to get me off the phone! After my husband quickly read a few posts himself, we both agreed on the phone that we are not interested, thank you for your time and we're hanging up now.

So thanks so much for posting this information online, I just thought I would let you know that it was very helpful and we did not give out any sensitive credit information over the phone. Since all the information she wanted was the expiry date of the card, we got a little bit more paranoid that she actually had the credit card number and my husband is in the process of getting a new card, just in case.

This has sealed the information given out by all scam busters...there is no unsolicited winnings for a contest you didn't win. You can't win a lottery you didn't enter and if you do win a legitimate prize, that prize doesn't come with a price tag attached (other than the government wanting their share).

Keep the information coming on how to keep these unscrupulous companies out of our pocketbooks!

Hi deeinwpg

Welcome to Scamwarners

thank you for posting about your experience and well done for doing some research to find us and avoid losing any money.

Posting your experience and telling others you know about this may well prevent others from being scammed.

Deeinwpg - I JUST received a call from this scam company. I have to admit, I was skeptical from the second I picked up the phone but I listened to the pitch for a good 5 minutes. I had won a trip to Florida! Yahoo! And even a cruise on top of that, AND a rental car! I had a moment of excitement until they mentioned the 'one time' registration fee of 249 dollars...uh huh...sure. I tried to ask the VERY enthusiastic woman exactly which company she was representing, and she pretty much ignored me flat out and just kept on yacking, saying that when all was said and done i'd understand everything. What?!

They did have some personal info on me which made me quite nervous - and said that I entered a draw online on January 28th. I did no such thing, so i'm still not sure how they got my home address and my name - it still makes me feel quite uneasy. But I guess that info could be out there anywhere...ugh.

After the initial sales lady (Christy! How lovely!) was finished with her pitch, she transferred me over to the shipping department to confirm details so they could ship my package out to me right away! They also asked for an email address (I gave them an old hotmail account that I haven't used in years - to avoid any future spam) and said they'd email me the tickets within 24 hours. AND THEN the big sell - in order to take advantage of the over $3000 trip, I had to register $249 for each adult - only a total of $498! They just needed to confirm my CC number. DING DING DING!!! Alarm bells!!!! I told her I wasn't comfortable giving that info over that phone and she just went right back into the pitch (i'm pretty sure if it was legit you wouldn't have to SELL me a free trip to Florida!) - and she then tried to reconfirm my CC number.

At that point I just flatly hung up the phone. I immediately called my bank and told them about the call and they assured me that as long as I didn't give them the CC# over the phone that i'm ok. It made me very uneasy though because they knew the first digit of my CC number - which the gentleman on the phone told me that all CC #'s pretty much start with the same number.

So I feel comfortable that i've avoided the sting of being scammed. But what a yucky feeling! And those people KNOW what they're doing and they do it anyway! Sigh....

Beware everyone out there! NEVER give any info over the phone or over the internet. People are out there everyday trying to profit from OTHER people's hard work!

Icky....

Hi Coelhinha88

Welcome to Scamwarners.

Thank you for sharing your story.

As to how the scammers got your details, there are a few likely options'
There may have been an in store or online promotion where you gave your details.
You may have your details posted on line, try doing an exact search on your name or phone number and see what comes up
The other option is a legitimate organisation that has your details may not have adequate security

Earlier today I received a phone call from "Patty" Employee #6773 from "Universal' claiming I had won a 3 day, 2 night trip to Orlando, Fla as well as a 3 day, 2 night Bahamas cruise in a contest. My sister had convinced me just a week ago to enter several online contests to win free trips (to better our odds), one of which was for Universal Studios, so I was immediately convinced. "Seriously?" I initially asked. "We wouldn't be calling you long distance if you hadn't won such an amazing prize. Congratulations!", was her answer.

The woman spoke quickly, was overly chipper and seemingly excited to share all the details of my winnings: 5 star accommodations in the Royal Suite, 2 star day passes to Universal Studios, all inclusive including amenities valued at approximately $2500 US. She explained that I was responsible for all meals on land, any room service and transportation however I was not responsible for the trip's taxes, which I agreed was fair. I was able to take my vacation in two separate parts if I so wanted, and the she constantly reminded me that it was completely transferable and expendable. She acted as a tour guide, suggesting I visit certain local sights when I got there and asking what my interests were so she could further help me plan my "vacation of a lifetime". She asked if I had ever been as they had changed Walt Disney World within the past 5 years and was glad i would get to experience it. She claimed I could go whenever I wished within the next year, as there are no blackout days, though i should call them 36 hours in advance to ensure my spot.

She explained why Universal was promoting this contest: to get the word out there about their fantastic services. All I had to do was enjoy their trip and promote their company to my friends and family once I get back. Would I be able to do that for them? I said I would.

She already had much of my information. "It says here you prefer to travel with your partner, is that the case?" - There was only one site I remember being asked that question on; it was not Universal Studios. Still, she caught me so off guard, she was so friendly, professional, convincing, I took the bait. She continued to ask questions about my likes and dislikes (nothing incriminating) and whether myself or my guest had any medical problems that would need to be tended to so she could make this trip enjoyable for me.

i would be able to invite up to two more guests to the Florida portion for a fee of $249 each, however, unfortunately, this was not valid for Bahama cruise. She already had me, I was sold, so what came next didn't initially strike me as odd: I would also have to pay 249 US dollars as registration for myself and my guest for a total of $498. She ran over this quickly and before I could question, went back to selling me on the amazing aspects of the trip. All information would be sent to me within the next few minutes to the email account I had provided and I had just to click on the link in the email to activate my prize. As well, further information will be sent to me by priority mail within the next week and she reminded me that I would have to sign for this with the name I have provided them with.

She mentioned that I have a Visa listed on file, could I confirm the expiry date? As this seemed innocent enough I did, without thinking twice about where they would have obtained this info. This is where I don't recognise myself:
she continued by stating that my credit card number started with 4, could I confirm the rest. I stalled, telling her I had to go check. Did I have any questions she asked in my hesitation - what was this for? -The registration fee of 249$ she reminded me. And what is your company name? "I will be giving you all this, along with the rest of your trip information when i provide you with your confirmation number as soon as the payment goes through." She continued that everything will be explained in full in the email sent to me and pushed that this was a small fee for such value (repeating the package). I asked if I could pay through debit instead. She responded that this could only be done if my debit was affiliated with Visa. It wasn't. She made a joke about how our Canadian debit system differed from theirs and assured me that the company was registered with the Better Business Bureau. with that and the coupled with the impression that I am on the phone with Universal Studios, I agree and...gave out my credit card number over the phone (something I never would have thought to do before today). In the back of my mind, I felt that my bank would protect me from fraud if that were the case.

After that the call pretty much concluded. I was given my confirmation number, their address:
7211 North Dale Mavry Rd.
Suite 1200
Tampa, Florida
33614
1.800.644.1648,
their company name: Universal travel,
and reminded to share my experiences with everyone when I returned. Congratulations to me.

The warning signs were there, I was just too excited (and too tired) to take notice. Immediately after i hung up I started asking myself the questions I should have asked while on the phone:
Q. Why was I paying 500$ for a trip I supposedly won?
A. Probably because I haven't won anything.
Q. I had known all along that there was no way they had my credit card information, so why did they pretend to on file?
A. To coax me into providing it.
Q. Why did she stall to give me the company name when asked until the end of the call?
A. To keep me from researching that this is a scam online before she had the desired information.
Q. Why do I suck at living?
A. Because I actually do need a vacation.

Within two minutes of hanging up I contacted my bank. They canceled my card right away, transferred me to a few departments where they agreed I most probably was scammed, that the charge had gone through and I could not reverse it. I would have to dispute it with the company in question. They provided me with the name and number under said charge (Universal Action Travel, same number as listed above).

I was in a state of panic. I called back Universal and asked if they could reverse the charge. The woman claimed she wasn't sure if they could and tried to assure me that they were legit, of course, and backed by the BBB. Obviously distressed i told them that I had given my boyfriend the news and he, being the primary card holder, did not want this charge as he a.did not trust their company and b.was leaving for a trip this week and couldn't afford to have that charge max out his credit card. She transferred me to another representative, Isabelle, Employee #549 who mentioned she was the quality assurance supervisor. She decided to explain to me that the charge would only appear on my next statement, as if I didn't know. I whimpered that he was going to kill me if that charge was not removed. She asked me repeatedly if I had a fraudulent card and if I lied when they asked if my name was on the card when I gave them the information. I simply reexplained that it was important that I have the charges reversed, letting a few tears fall. She said this was impossible as then the offer would not be valid. I told her I would have to cancel with them, then. She explained that it was too late as they have already sent my merchandise off to shipping. Perhaps, I offered trying to buy time to investigate further, I could provide the company with a new credit card number as my own card should be arriving in the mail within the next two weeks. After all, I am not the skeptical one, my boyfriend is...
She agreed to hold the charges (which would appear as such on my statement within the next 38 hours) until I provide them with a new number within 15 days. Failure to comply to our agreement would mean the charge would them be processed on the initial card.

Longest post ever, I apologize. All that to ask, what do I do now? I have two weeks to try to figure this out. Please help.

Sincerely,
Lillybear

Hi Lilly and welcome to Scamwarners.

I am sorry to hear it is not under better circumstances.

My own advice is to keep records of all communication with your bank, time of call, who you spoke to and the nature of the call.

Other than that, please go back earlier in this thread where Gomer gives his advice as to what to do, you should start reading from here viewtopic.php?p=13890#p13890 some people have had success following his advice and hopefully it will work for you as well.

Please let us know how you get on with this.

Thanks so much, Ralph. I appreciate it.
Will do.

Hi,

I am from Perth Western Australia. I received a call yesterday on 22/5/2010 pertaining the same information that I had won a holiday to Orlando Florida, Las Vegas and the Bahamas. I told them I did not recall entering any such competition. They had all my personal information and kept asking about my credit card details. When I told them, I don't see what this information has to do with anything', and refused to give them my credit card details, they hung up. After the phone call I looked up the details online to find out it was a scam.

I have now filed a complaint with scamwatch.gov.au and am trying to spread the word. While this scam now appears to be several years old now judging by complaints of A-Star and All Seasons Travel & Resorts online, THE SCAM STILL SEEMS TO BE CONTINUING and people are still falling victim to scams such as this.

Hi Tegan, Welcome to Scamwarners

I am glad you recognised it as a scam and did not provide your details to them, well done.

Thank you also for providing the details of your experience.

You seem to be well sorted but if you have any questions please ask

Glad to hear you knew what to do Tegan T.

If a stranger asks for your card details over the phone - never ever provide them.

If you think it might be honest get them to send you the plane tickets first, and when you get them, check that they're valid and paid for.

If they're not paying your airfare and are going to charge your card for accomodation, it doesn't sound like much of a prize, does it ?

Market stall traders use a similar technique to attempt to hype up a crowd to a point where they stop using common sense.

hi everybody,
for people who don't remember about my storry, just go on the second page of this tread. i just close my conplain whit visa and the verdict turn on my hope, i was refound of all... visa recalculate all the fee i paid regarding this conplain an correct back my credit. so after 1years an aff, i get my money back. so everybody don't let go, continue to call your credit compagnie and please don't give up.

tanks all and keep hope

lelam

That's great Lelam! Obviously your persistence paid off, and hopefully this will encourage others to make the effort and keep trying!

Brilliant news, thanks for sharing

Hi,
I am in Australia and I have just realized that I have been a victim of this scam.
I was contacted on Friday morning, 11th Jun by a lady who's name I unfortunately didn't get, telling me that I had 'won' a competition which I entered via the hotmail website. She told me I had won 5 days accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Orlando as well as 2 days accommodation at the Hilton Hotel. She said it was for up to 5 people but the 5th person had to be under the age of 18. She already had my address, email address and date of birth and verified these details with me. She then proceeded to tell me I had also won 2 adult Universal Studios passes as well as 2 adult Universal City Walk passes. The lady was very lovely and was very excited the whole time and even gave me the line about sending her a postcard when I got back from my wonderful holiday, asking me questions like if I had been to Florida before, etc. She even gave me the full address of the company so that I could send them a postcard and gave me a contact phone number for their customer service department should I have an queries.
She also told me that for an extra $299 per person I could have an optional 3 night cruise with Carnival Cruises in the Bahamas or I could have 7 days of car hire. The whole time the lady was highlighting how great this package was that I had 'won'. She told me that I would be receiving the vouchers in the mail within the next 14-21 days and that I should keep them in a safe place as I would be receiving over $6000 in vouchers.
Then she told me that I just to pay the 'taxes' of $998 for the whole 5 people. She also told me that we were required to do a tour of the cruise ship whilst on our holiday and she said the reason for this promotion was so that they could advertise their wonderful packages to Florida.
She then transferred me to her colleague Christopher who gave me his employee number. He told me that he just need to verify my credit card details to pay the 'taxes'. He called it a 'Luxury tax'.
I asked him about this charge and he said if I didn't have the available funds I could pay half now and the rest later. He reassured me it was a 'Luxury tax' and that this was ll I needed to pay and that it covered all 5 people. Stupidly I said it was ok because this all sounded quite legitimate and of course I was excited thinking I had 'won' this holiday.
He then put me through to 'Visa security' who proceeded to charge my credit card and said that she would be recording the conversation. Again she reassured me that that was all I would be charged.
I was then transferred back to the original lady who had made the call again congratulating me and reconfirming that my vouchers would be sent within 14-21 days.
Everyone also assured me that I would get a confirmation email which I still have not received.
After the call I was a bit suspicious so I googled the address of the company the lady gave me which came up as All Seasons Travel and Resort in Tampa, Florida. Because this is a real company this is why I thought it was all legitimate. Also I rang them this morning asking why I had still not received an email and the guy I spoke to explained that they were having problems with their computer systems and that they were working on getting them fixed. I also checked on the ‘Luxury tax’ which is also a legitimate tax in the US which is why I still thought this was all for real.
I did some more research today and it is only now that I have found this website and realized I have been duped big time
I'm going to call VISA as soon as I get home from work and get them to cancel my card and see if it will be possible to reverse the charges. I can't believe I got sucked into this scam. I'm very disappointed with myself because I should have just gone with my gut instinct and hung up as soon as they asked for credit card details.
When I rang them this morning to check on the email confirmation the guy gave me two different email addresses for reservations and for customer service so I will try and email them to cancel the whole thing.
I will let you know how I go.