I've done a stupid thing

[tiggerblue10]

to add to all of the other stupid things I do.

Some guy called me the other day and told me I'd won a competition for a pampering and photo shoot day. I told him that I don't ever remember entering into such a competition as I'm not really into that kind of thing and he insisted that I had one. Anyway, its with a company called Paparazzi Studios in Great Portland St, London. the day is free apart from a £30 deposit which I will get back if I and 2 other people attend for at least 6 hours on the day.

Stupid, stupid me has agreed to this and parted with £30 last Thursday. My mum was going to come with me but she has said I should cancel it as it sounds dodgy. The problem is I can't get my money back if I cancel.

My question is - how stupid am I?

[NazNomad]

Winning a competition that you didn't enter should have rung alarm bells ... at least you'll know next time. Expensive lesson, but it happens. ;-(

[thebarron]

We all do stupid things tigger

[tiggerblue10]

Thats the thing, I can't believe I fell for it. I'm normally quite good when it comes to cold callers and people turning up at my door so I don't know why I fell for this. Its ridiculous!

[thebarron]

Don't worry just write it off.

[vivandorron]

It's a thought.......Telephone your Local Authority and ask to speak to the Consumer Protection Department who will advise you a course of action.

Either that or just forfeit your deposit. Also,cancel your Debit/Credit card quickly.
You can't have won any competition which you didn't enter. It's a con in my opinion.

Ron.

[society]

The guy must be a smooth talker. :-)

[boxtops]

The trouble is, these guys know all the tricks. I got a phone call the other day offering me a half price subscription to some magazine I use to buy, years ago. The chap was incredulous when I said I didn't want it, he sounded personally hurt, but it's all a ploy. It's the same with the power supply people - "you really aren't interested in saving yourself money?" - no, clear off, you're on commission.

[tiggerblue10]

Well I'm definitely going to try and get my money back.

Thanks everyone for your help/advice :o)

[vivandorron]

I am guessing that it will cost you and two friends more than £30 (traveling, food etc.) for the experience of attending the 'set-up'.........Forget it I say if you are only to get back your deposit of £30.

Ron.

[tiggerblue10]

Thats another thing Ron. All the other costs for the day. Costs about £7 for a travelcard into London and then the food on top.

They said they will provide free drinks and coctails but didn't hear a mention of food. Suppose they want to get us drunk in order to part with more money.

[tigwig]

Aww your not stupid tigger. Try your best to get the money back, make sure the card is cancelled and forget about it.

[jake-the-peg]

According to people here who've been there it's not a scam per se but they do engage in hard sell tactics

http://forums.moneysa...wthread.php?t=2468915