Ramada Plaza Resort - Imperial Majesty Cruises Asked for credit card number to secure my "prize" Ft Lauderdale Florida

I attended our local trade show and must have filled out a "prize" ballot.

I was contacted and informed by a very pleasant individual that I had won a trip for 2 to the Bahamas. The trip included accommodations in Orlando and Ft Lauderdale at the Ramada Plaza, a cruise aboard the Imperial Majesty Regal Empress, rental cars and amusement passes.

To secure my "prize", I was informed that they required $299 per person plus $99 for each child 12 and under and $129 for 13 and over (as many people as I wanted could go).

We would be required to attend a Vacation Ownership Seminar in exchange for this great deal.

They requested that I hold so that they could set up an "audio receipt" (voice recording) for my consumer protection. Really, this was for their protection so that I could not later dispute the charges.

They then asked for my credit card number.

I asked for their Better Business Bureau rating (which they could not provide).

I asked for their phone number so that I could call back after "doing my homework". They would not provide a number so I requested that they call back next week after I had opportunity to discuss with my family.

That ended the conversation.

(Last night I received a similar call and the "port fee" was only $149 per person. When I asked if I would be requested to provide my credit card number to "secure" - the person hung up on me.)

I looked both companies up on BBB.com:

F [We strongly question the companys reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the laws licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the companys industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.]

Be warned ! Too good to be true? I think so!!!

Stevens Family
Sherwood Park, Alberta
Canada