Apple-Mountain resort claims i have won one of 6 prizes plus.....?

Question

I got a letter in the mail stating that i have won either the mercedes benz m-class, bmw X5 or porsche cayenne, a 1,500 shopping spree or a 5-day/4night cruise or 500 cash. I called the number as the letter instructed me to and they promised that if i show up in Atlanta next friday that no purchase will be required and all prizes will be awarded. oh and they promise to give me a $50 gas card too for the gas it takes to get there. They simply want me to take a tour of the resort? Is this a scam and is it worth the 2 hr drive?

Answer 1

Me and my girlfriend almost spent the 4th doing this after I filled out one of those free car sweepstakes things in the mall where they have the car parked there inside.  

Then I found this website:  

http://www.complaints.com/2007/february/...

Supposedly its a different company but it seems way too similar to be a coincidence.  The company that does run the atlanta one (Silverleaf Resorts) has been busted by the FCC for not respecting telemarketing laws and has several BBB complaints.  

Here is another one:

http://www.clowncarblog.com/archives/000...

Answer 2

This type of come-on is well known.  Usually there is a very small prize and everybody gets that one.  Are you sure you didn't miss one of the prizes?  To my knowledge they do award the prizes.  You're supposed to be able to check and find out who won.  The sales pitch is very good, very high pressure.  You'll spend several hours listening to it.  You'll wonder if you're ever going to get out.  If you just want a tour of the resort, I'm sure you can get that later with no hours-long sales pitch.  It's your call.  If you have the time it may be an interesting educational experience for you.  But as I said the sales pitch is very good.  Make sure you are firm in not wanting to buy and don't commit to something you don't want.  

The guy above about the cruise is probably right.  Something that you can't take advantage of would fit right in with their methods.

Answer 3

This seems like the kind of deal for persons who  have money to throw away, and nothing else to do.

I have heard fo places the make such an offer.  When you get there, they give you a high pressure, buy or die sales pitch.  

The 5 day/4 night cruise is probably what you will win.  You must use their travel agent.  The cost for the air travel is out of your own pocket. You can bet that the airline price is full retail. That is how they throw in the cruise.

Does this sound like a rip off?

Answer 4

I KNOW there's a catch unless you specifically entered this contest. Don't fall for it.