Kymbo International. Raffle Scam? Free is not free.
Aug 03 '03
The Bottom Line You may not be aware of hidden agendas of a "free" raffle.
If it sounds to good to be true, it is...You don't get nothing for free!
Hello,
I received a call about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1st. I had entered myself in a raffle for a free car down at the 2003 Wyandotte Street Fair in Michigan. "Jeff" had said that I had won one of five prizes, including a Sony TV, $1000, a golfing trip to South Carolina, a stay for 5 people at an Orlando Resort, or a Royal Caribbean Cruise for 2 people. I would be allowed to pick from one of the above from a basket. This drawing was to be held on Sunday, August 3rd. Either at 11:30am or 1:30 p.m. I was then asked to pick a time to join 7 to 10 other "winning" couples for 90 minutes. I was then told that this event would take place in a banquet hall in Windsor, Canada. That is the KYMBO Banquet Hall, 1567 Ouellette. When I asked why this was to take place in Canada, Jeff began to tell me that items won are not taxable. He continued about how their sponsors paid for the “gifts” and the banquet lunch.
I was interested, at first, I figured that since I had put my name in a raffle, I really did win. Jeff asked me a few questions: "Did you have access to the Internet?" and "Are you interested in taking a cruise sometime in the future?" I replied, "Yes" to both questions. Jeff began going on about a great offer that Royal Caribbean was providing to us, the special guests. If we were to purchase this package in Canada, we would get a great deal. In his words, "The American dollar goes further in Canada". He stated that a Royal Caribbean Cruise would be almost half price.
He then confirmed that my husband and I would be there at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. If I had any questions, Jeff said that I could call him at 1-877-807-2345.
After some Internet research, I found the following posts:
http://www.epinions.com/content_1140105348
http://www.epinions.com/content_1140105348/show_~allcom
I began to feel uncomfortable with my decision in going. I needed more information. I felt that something was not quite right.
I tried to contact Jeff to let him know that we would not be attending. I only received an answering machine. I tried a couple of times the next day, as Jeff said that I could contact him between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. To my expectation, I listened to nothing but an answering machine.
I found the Royal Caribbean website and put in call in. I was assisted by a friendly gentleman stated that a matter such as this would most likely be handled by the sales department. They could be reached at 1-800-722-5443. However, since it was the weekend, a reply would have to wait until Monday. I thought that if Kymbo International was going to try to inform me on or sell me anything to do with Royal Caribbean, then Royal Caribbean would or should know something about this. Is using a well known name a way that Kymbo may be using to get you in the door?
I find it very odd that I was given a day and half notification, by telephone, after 9:00pm on a Friday. That should send up warning flags. I would think that IF I won a prize I would not have to travel to Canada and listen to a 90-minute sales pitch. It would be at my convenience. IF I won a prize, would I not be informed by telephone alone, but also through registered mail? Notifying winners through registered mail is a common practice with a reputable raffle winning. IF I won a prize, why did I not receive anything in writing? Unfortunately, a person's word does not mean anything unless it is in writing, free from semantics and "technical" loop holes meant to protect themselves.
I followed my gut and no showed! I suggest all to stay away from these possible scams! Canada does not have the kind of protection that the U.S has for these kinds of frauds. Kymbo is a Detroit based company (per Better Business Bureau). However, "The Bureau's report on this company is being updated, and no report is available at this time".
http://search.detroit.bbb.org/nis/newsearch2.asp?ID=1&ComID=0332000028007180
Why does Kymbo International feel that they need to conduct their business in Canada? What are they hiding? Listen to your mother when she says," If it sounds to good to be true, it is...You don't get nothing for free!"
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
motzy
|
|
Reviews written: 1
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.