Unclaimed prize

[pab]

Has anyone had a letter from the "Unclaimed Prize Register".There is a phone number to call to get a allocation code at �1.50 per min and the call lasts for six mins or there is an address in Ross on Wye if you don't want to phone. I wondered if anyone had actually got a prize or is this yet another scam. The prizes on offer range from a �20,000 cheque, 32"tv,digital camera, new kitchen(or �5,000) or �250 in cash.The letter comes from the Award controller and (no supprise) is unsigned.

[White_Rabbit]

Yes we received a similar letter offering prizes from 10K to a Fridge Freezer. it sounds very much like a scam. Our Letter came from Julie Walker Allocation Manager, offering a phone number 0906 570 5343 at �1.50 per minute, minimum call 6 mins. It guaranteed that we would be awarded ONE of a number of prizes, for a competition we haven't entered. Sounds like another scam operated from a close European Country by persons from a particular African Country to me.

[Lofty68]

Hi Peeps. hope all is well.
I got one dated 19 July 2007.

�20,000 cheque, 42" Plasma TV �2,000 Shopping spree (or cash), Digital Camera, Sony DVD Camcorder or �250 Premium Bonds.

It stated that i had been given an alloocation code on 17 July 2007.

"""Just call 09061580613 and listen for your code to receive claim number"""" closing date 31 dec 2007

the usual �1.50 p min. max time 6mins.

POSSIBLE NEW INFO>>>>>>

McIntyre & Dodd Marketing Ltd
trading as...
Unclaimed Prize Register.

Reg Office: Green Heys,
Walford Road
Ross-on-Wye
HR9 5PQ

Registered in england no. 02415951

Number to phone with technical inquires given as
01989 760538

only things ive done is the online surveys. ?????

Keep it safe peeps. ttfn

Lofty68

[angpoobear]

Yes I have recieved about 5/6 of these letters and they make it seem very inviting. But I just put them stright into the shreader, that gives me great pleasure. The annoying thing is the amount of wasted paper that all the junk mail produces. There should be more control in this matter.

If YOU get one of these letters SHREAD it and use the paper for a pet rabbit or other small pet as bedding.

[Katweazle]

For maximum effect, report them to your local Trading Standards office - see this website for more details: http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/ (if more people did this then maybe we could get the law changed to ban such scams in future).

McIntyre & Dodd (based in Ross-on-Wye) are the morally reprehensible company behind these cunningly worded letters that seem designed to deceive vulnerable members of society into parting with their cash for worthless tat. The Guardian did a nice piece on this scam last month: http://money.guardian.co.uk/scamsandfraud/stor y/0,,2174222,00.html (and they revealed that prize code 603498 is indeed the near-worthless digital camera...).

The Loquax competitions website also has details of how people have been deceived, including an elderly man who was suffering from dementia; see: http://blog.loquax.co.uk/2007/09/22/the-unclai med-prize-register-find-out-why-you-get-their- mail.htm

[markwj]

The best way to screw these people up is if we ALL shredded the letters and then posted them back.

Of course, when sending them we should "forget" to fix a stamp to the envelope and make them pay for the postage. In fact we could send the shreds in installments, all with unpaid postage.

Hopefully they would get the message !!

[nicciannem]

I got the letter a while ago and naturally thought scam- however I got a REMINDER today- made me think it may be OK until I read your replies. Watch out for the reminder- the PO Box is a definite scam clue.

[Tincalan]

I am now on a 'Final Reminder' having ignored all previous attempts to get me to 'phone.
The prizes are better (!). They now range from �25000, 42" plasma TV, �2000 shopping spree, Mediterranean cruise, Sony DVD camcorder and �250 of premium bonds.
If Jean Francis, the Prizes and Awards Controller, reads this. "Tough Jean, sorry about your postage (3 letters) but I ain't gonna bite!
Alan

[Milehi]

I too have received mail from this outfit much the same as

pab (21/03/06) describes but although it is unsigned there is a name on the document of Margaret Jones.

I have received this mail before and binned it as I consider it to be a scam the same will happen to todays mail.

note that there is a Royal Mail printed franking code on the envelope which is :- HQ 12632

[lizslaven]

Yes I have been pestered with mail stating Final Demand on the envelope.I was forced to reply but did not phone I wrote and got back a letter stating I had won portrait sitting.I could not believe such a cone all the shops were in england and as the letters kept saying this was for the Kilmarnock prize draw area I found this really maddening.I have sent a letter to let them know how i feel.

[alanleighton]

I also had the same letter, so rather than telephone, I sent a SAE to them asking for the prize code, this arrive today stating that I had won a 4 night cruise to Spain, It has to be for 4 people, they must pay �30 each in Harbour charges, I can't see any other hidden charges, but after reading all the blogs I will chuck it in the bin anyway.

[donron1]

My 83 year old gran who has dementia has called
their number at least twice. She does not remember calling them and every time they send her the reminder she calls. She is very vulnerable and even though I tell her every time not to phone (and she agrees) she forgets by the next letter. I am so angry. She is from a different era when old people were not targets for evil con men/women. I hope the people responsible have to see their relatives upset and feeling stupid and conned out of the little money they have. Shame on them.

[FiFlynny1]

I too received the same type of letter stating I had definitely won a prize. To receive your prize they needed a claim number which could be obtained by telephoning a number (which surprise surprise cost �1.50 a minute.) They also gave the option of sending a SAE to a PO box number....(again surprise surprise no fixed address).
I sent off my form along with a SAE. I received the reply only yesterday. It turns out I have won a digital camera but the catch is you have to send them a cheque for �6.50 for shipping and insurance costs. I searched on line and it turns out everyone who has received this letter has too won a digital camera. Unfortunately some people have already sent �6.50 and have received their digital cameras yep ... a super 650k wonder cam (that's HALF A MEGA PIXEL!).. Certainly not worth �6.50.

[Eagle01]

You need to get your home address on the MPS (mailing Preference Service) register to opt out of receiving unwanted mail. You can also put your numbers on the TPS (telephone prefernce service) to opt out of receiving those unwanted sales calls.

[margeurite]

I too have had several letters over the last 2 years. Most I have ignored ,a couple I have phoned up but not gone further. In the summer I was pestered so much I followed up to the point of recieving cruise vouchers like a previous correspondant. However I have today recieved a letter stating all Ihad to do was send �14..95 to cover package and insurance and a prestigous gift reserved for me would be sent. I think not. Beware..

[cocolads]

yes three ipod three greek cruises two mini didigtal cameras but you have to pay opstage and packing which is slight con you pay in excess for that

[Fruiterrr]

How can these people sleep at night. My mum was about to ring this chuffing number, but i convinced her to wait until i'd checked it out. You don't get nowt for free, there's always a catch. Shred the Badgerrrrrrrrrrr

[cogs65]

Hi, I received this letter this morning, and no way was I going to call the number but thought I'd post for the claim number the way they list the prizes it looks as if the Digital Camera is a middle prize and the lowest or least u can win would be the £200 cash, so if that was the case sending the £6.50 postage charge doesn;t sound that much, but I thought I'll have a look on the net and found you lot. Looking at a previous post regarding the Guardian article dated 2007 I have the same number 603498 which is indeed the Digital camera, THIS IS NOW IN THE SHREDDER thanks a lot for the info

[ezcoach]

Thanks all-I've just opened a v similar letter, again prize no 603498-thought I'd do a litle research before shredding...it is the vulnerable who get caught out-my mother-god rest her soul-was always v keen to call-because etc etc-they should be banned-but the letter itself is so generic-which in itself is a giveaway-best way to avoiid is by doing MPS mail pref scheme which should stop any/all sales/marketing letters

cheers ezcoach

[Frank-Badger]

These scams should be scanned and e-mailed to [email protected]. uk

[Realitycheque]

I have just got off the phone with there customer services department and they are very rude unhelpful and from what I can tell there are only three of them in the office both very rude and very patronising. best way is to be rude and patronising back so if you wish to call the latest number it is 01989760542 fill your boots. I have also uncovered an address with several similar organisations in . Green Heys, Ross on Wye, HR9 5PQ. Also mention to them the possibility of it being a larger prize and listen to their responce the very quickly say it is not as if there are no larger prizes which I do beleive is ilegal. see if they can prove that there are these larger prizes. I'll bet they can't